Selkäydinnestenäytettä

Selkäydinnestenäyte, known scientifically as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, is a medical procedure to collect a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This fluid, the cerebrospinal fluid, acts as a cushion for these vital organs and plays a role in their nourishment and waste removal.

The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare professional, most commonly through a lumbar puncture, often referred to as a spinal tap. In this method, a thin needle is inserted into the lower back, between the vertebrae, to access the subarachnoid space where the CSF circulates. Less commonly, CSF can be collected from the cisterna magna at the base of the skull or from a ventricular drain.

Analysis of the collected CSF sample can provide crucial diagnostic information for a wide range of neurological conditions. These include infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer affecting the central nervous system. The sample is examined for cell count, protein and glucose levels, presence of microorganisms, and other specific markers.

The procedure is generally safe, but potential risks include headache, back pain, and, rarely, infection or bleeding. Patients are usually advised to lie down for a period after the procedure to help minimize the risk of headache. Selkäydinnestenäyte is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of many serious neurological disorders.