Question
A three-year-old child experienced vomiting after drinking milk, accompanied by throat inflammation and a positive Babinski sign. The doctor suspects a brain infection and recommends a lumbar puncture for confirmation. The child’s other symptoms are normal, and the vomiting has stopped. Should the child undergo a lumbar puncture?
Answer
Mild viral encephalitis usually resolves quickly, and the child might belong to this category, or it could be post-infection digestive system dysfunction. The specific situation can be determined based on the opinion of the attending physician, considering whether there are any pathological signs at present. Confirming encephalitis requires examination of cerebrospinal fluid.