Lumbar puncture in subarachnoid haemorrhage: yes or no?

Abstract

Seventy patients admitted to the Auckland hospitals suffering from acute subarachnoid haemorrhage without major neurological deficits underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture. No patients showed immediate deterioration. Where the clinical indication exists and the circumstances require, lumbar puncture continues to be an appropriate investigation in establishing the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage.