For which condition is a lumbar puncture commonly performed to assess cerebrospinal fluid?

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is commonly performed to assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for several neurological conditions, with Guillain-Barre Syndrome being a prime example. In this condition, the presence of elevated protein levels in the CSF along with normal white blood cell counts—often referred to as albuminocytological dissociation—can help confirm the diagnosis.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. The lumbar puncture allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the CSF for changes that are characteristic of this condition, providing critical information to facilitate timely and appropriate treatment.

In contrast, conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease typically do not require a lumbar puncture for diagnosis or treatment assessment. While CSF analysis can provide some information in certain neurological disorders, these specific conditions are generally evaluated through clinical history, neurological exams, and imaging studies rather than direct analysis of CSF.