Experts deem empowering neurologists and neurology trainees to perform lumbar punctures at bedside a worthwhile goal

What happened

Experts deem empowering neurologists and neurology trainees to perform lumbar punctures at bedside a worthwhile goal, according to Phys.org. Many medical specialties now require graduating doctors to be skilled in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for diagnosing patients and performing procedures. POCUS operates with a portable ultrasound device to help clinicians make fast, accurate medical decisions.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education lists this skill as an official milestone for graduation. Even though training is improving for its potential use in treating head, eye and nerve conditions, POCUS is only moderately used by neurologists dealing with some neurological conditions.

Key facts

• POCUS — uses: a portable ultrasound device to help clinicians make fast, accurate medical decisions