Lumbar puncture is the most important specific diagnostic procedure for detecting viral meningitis and to exclude other causes of meningitis. It is indicated for all suspected patients of viral meningitis. The CSF findings in case of viral meningitis include high glucose concentration, normal or slightly high protein, increased number of lymphocytes and lactates level of <2.1 mmol/l. CT scan should be done before lumbar puncture procedure in the immune deficient patient or patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Viral meningitis lumbar puncture
Bacterial meningitis lumbar puncture
Bacterial meningitis CT
Viral meningitis CT
Bacterial meningitis MRI
Viral meningitis MRI
Viral encephalitis CT
Viral encephalitis MRI