lumbaalipunktio

Lumbaalipunktio, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion and transporting nutrients. The procedure is typically performed in the lumbar region of the back, between the L3 and L5 vertebrae, as this area is considered safer due to the lower risk of damaging the spinal cord.

The primary purpose of a lumbaalipunktio is diagnostic. Analyzing the CSF can help doctors identify or rule out various neurological conditions. These include infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, and certain types of cancer that may have spread to the central nervous system. It can also be used to measure CSF pressure, which can be elevated in conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

In some cases, lumbaalipunktio can also be therapeutic. For instance, it can be used to relieve elevated CSF pressure or to administer medications directly into the spinal fluid, such as chemotherapy drugs or anesthetics for spinal anesthesia. Before the procedure, the patient will typically lie on their side or sit and lean forward. The skin on the back is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The needle is then carefully inserted into the subarachnoid space, and a small amount of CSF is withdrawn. After the procedure, patients are often advised to lie down for a period to help prevent headaches, a potential side effect.