Lumbar Puncture For Diagnosis Of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome In Typical Patients

Criteria for the diagnosis of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome (PTCS) are based on clinical exam findings, neuroimaging features [1,2], and lumbar puncture (LP) with elevated opening pressure (OP) without alternative etiology. However, recent evidence suggests the range of "normal" OP is much wider than previously thought [3], and LPs are often performed in variable positions undermining pressure measurement validity [4]. Thus, the newest criteria allow for diagnosis of "Probable PTCS" with normal OP [5]. As LPs are associated with complications including low pressure syndromes [4,6] and radiation exposure if performed under fluoroscopy, this study aims to build upon current work [7] in determining necessity of LP in diagnosis of typical PTCS patients.