Search Strategy and Selection criteria
With the key words of lumbar puncture, spinal tap, and CSF examination, we searched google scholar, Embase, PubMed, Medline and Cochrane library for relevant articles, case reports, case series, meta- analysis, systematic review. We also reviewed published consensus guidelines and expert opinions. The references cited in the reviews were also analysed. Search terms included combinations of the Medical Subject Headings “spinal puncture”, “meningitis”, “cerebrospinal fluid”, “injections, spinal”, “central nervous system”, “practice guideline”, “prevention and control”, “Postdural post lumbar puncture headache”, “Trends”, “Check List”, “Outpatient”,” Complication”, “Meningeal Enhancement Post LP”, “CT prior to LP”, “Difficult LP” and “biomarkers/ cerebrospinal fluid”. The reference list was created on the basis of the chronological order in which the publications appear in this review.