Selkäydinnestenäytteenotto

Selkäydinnestenäytteenotto, also known as lumbar puncture or spinal tap, is a medical procedure where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is collected from the spinal canal. This fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord and plays a vital role in their protection and function. The procedure is typically performed in the lower back, between the vertebrae in the lumbar region, as the spinal cord ends higher up in this area, reducing the risk of damage.

Before the procedure, the patient is usually asked to lie on their side, curling their knees towards their chest, or to sit and lean forward. This position helps to open up the spaces between the vertebrae. The skin on the lower back is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. A thin, hollow needle is carefully inserted into the subarachnoid space, the area where CSF circulates. Once the needle is in place, the CSF pressure may be measured. Then, a small amount of CSF is collected into sterile tubes. After the sample is obtained, the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.

Selkäydinnestenäytteenotto is a diagnostic tool used to detect a variety of conditions affecting the central nervous system. These can include infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma that have spread to the brain or spinal cord. It can also be used to measure CSF pressure, which can be elevated in conditions like pseudotumor cerebri or decreased after a dural puncture. In some cases, it is used therapeutically to inject medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or anesthetics, directly into the CSF. While generally safe, potential risks include headache, back pain, bleeding, or infection at the puncture site.