Bedside Ultrasound Assisted Pediatric Lumbar Puncture

An investigator will perform beside ultrasound on the spinal area using a bedside ultrasound device. Attempts will be made to visualize the spinous processes and vertebral bodies in the general lumbarsacral area, as well as the presence of CSF in the thecal space below the conus medullaris, and identify the optimal location to perform the LP. This will be marked with a skin marker (If no CSF or abnormal anatomy is visualized, the LP will be advised to be postponed or cancelled). The treating physician will then proceed with the LP guided by the skin markings.