Selkäydinpunktio

Selkäydinpunktio, often referred to as a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal, typically in the lower back. This space contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The primary purposes of performing a selkäydinpunktio are diagnostic and therapeutic.

Diagnostically, CSF can be collected and analyzed for various conditions. This includes detecting infections of the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis, by identifying bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. It is also crucial for diagnosing certain neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and some types of cancer that may affect the spinal cord or brain. The pressure of the CSF can also be measured during the procedure, providing information about intracranial pressure.

Therapeutically, a selkäydinpunktio can be used to administer medications directly into the CSF. This is common in chemotherapy for certain brain or spinal cord cancers, or for administering anesthetics for procedures like epidurals. It can also be used to relieve elevated CSF pressure in conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The procedure is generally safe when performed by trained medical professionals, though potential risks include headache, bleeding, infection, or nerve irritation.