11. Neurologists frequently perform lumbar punctures in order to assess characteristics of a patient's cerebrospinal fluid. 12. Lumbar puncture can determine if there is Encephalitis.13. A lumbar puncture is often needed to tell the difference between first and second stage disease. 14. Serial lumbar punctures may be useful in temporary treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension ( IIH ). 15. A lumbar puncture diagnoses or excludes meningitis. 16. House concludes that the Tuberous Sclerosis cannot be causing this, and that a lumbar puncture is needed. 17. Repeated lumbar punctures are sometimes needed to control the ICP urgently if the patient's vision deteriorates rapidly. 18. While mainstays of treatment are medication, in some cases lumbar puncture performed multiple times may improve symptoms. 19. Sometimes, lumbar puncture cannot be performed safely ( for example due to a severe bleeding tendency ). 20. Cuddy then persuades House to do a lumbar puncture to find out whether the illness is meningitis.
