Best evidence topic report: reinsertion of the stylet before needle removal in diagnostic lumbar puncture

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether re-insertion of the stylet before needle removal changed the incidence of post-lumbar puncture syndrome and headache. Altogether 235 papers were found using the reported search, of which two presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.