Central nervous system infections are caused by many agents, including bacteria, fungi, spirochetes, parasites, viruses... Patients can suffer from purulent meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess... and have a high risk of death or increasing the burden of disease for the family and society.

Lumbar puncture (LP) with cerebrospinal fluid examination is an important diagnostic tool for a variety of infectious and noninfectious neurological conditions. The techniques, indications, contraindications, and complications of LP in adults will be reviewed.