Is lumbar puncture still needed in suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage after a negative head computed tomographic scan?
OBJECTIVE
Is lumbar puncture still needed in suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage with a negative head computed tomographic scan performed within 6 hours of headache onset?


METHODS
Perry JJ, Stiell IG, Sivilotti ML, et al. Sensitivity of computed tomography performed within six hours of onset of headache for diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage: prospective cohort study. BMJ 2011;343:d4277.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether lumbar puncture can be safely omitted after a negative head computed tomographic scan in the workup of a suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage.
David
D
Claveau
Jerrald
J
Dankoff
D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013129:Spinal Puncture; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed