Durapunktsiooni

Durapunktsiooni, also known as spinal tap or lumbar puncture, is a medical procedure used to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal. This fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion and transporting nutrients. The procedure is typically performed in the lower back, between the lumbar vertebrae, where the spinal cord has ended and the risk of nerve damage is minimized. A long, thin needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space, the area containing CSF, to withdraw a small amount of fluid.

The primary purpose of durapunktsiooni is diagnostic. Analyzing the CSF can help identify a variety of conditions affecting the central nervous system, including infections like meningitis and encephalitis, inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer. It can also be used to measure CSF pressure, which can be elevated in conditions like pseudotumor cerebri or decreased in cases of CSF leak. In some therapeutic applications, durapunktsiooni can be used to administer medications directly into the spinal fluid, such as chemotherapy drugs or anesthetics for spinal anesthesia.

While generally considered safe, durapunktsiooni carries some potential risks and side effects. The most common is a headache, often referred to as a post-dural puncture headache, which can be severe and may last for several days. Other less common complications include bleeding, infection at the puncture site, and temporary nerve irritation. Proper patient selection and sterile technique are crucial to minimize these risks.