aivokammiotestä

Aivokammiotesti, also known as the ventricular tap or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap, is a medical procedure that involves the withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricular system. This fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The procedure is typically performed under sterile conditions, often with the patient sedated or under local anesthesia.

The primary purpose of an aivokammiotesti is diagnostic. The collected CSF can be analyzed for various abnormalities, such as the presence of infection (e.g., meningitis or encephalitis), inflammation, or abnormal cells (e.g., cancerous cells in cases of brain tumors or metastases). It can also be used to measure the pressure of the CSF, which can be elevated in certain neurological conditions like hydrocephalus.

In some therapeutic contexts, the aivokammiotesti can be used to remove excess CSF to relieve intracranial pressure. It may also be a route for administering medications directly into the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Examples include chemotherapy drugs for certain brain cancers or antibiotics for severe CNS infections.

The procedure carries some risks, including infection, bleeding within the brain, headache, and damage to brain tissue. The decision to perform an aivokammiotesti is made by a medical professional based on the patient's clinical presentation and the suspected underlying condition. Imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans are often used to guide the needle placement and minimize complications.