lumbalpunktsioon

Lumbalpunktsioon, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal in the lumbar region of the spine. This space contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to collect a sample of CSF for diagnostic testing.

The collected CSF can be analyzed to detect various conditions, including infections like meningitis and encephalitis, inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer that have spread to the central nervous system. It is also used to measure the pressure of the CSF, which can be elevated in conditions like hydrocephalus or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In some cases, a lumbar puncture can be used therapeutically to relieve elevated CSF pressure or to administer medications directly into the CSF, such as chemotherapy drugs or anesthetics for spinal anesthesia.

The procedure is typically performed with the patient lying on their side with their knees drawn up to their chest, or sitting and leaning forward, to maximize the space between the lumbar vertebrae. After the skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is administered, the needle is carefully inserted between two vertebrae, usually L3-L4 or L4-L5. Once the needle reaches the subarachnoid space, CSF can be withdrawn. While generally safe, potential complications can include headache, back pain, bleeding, or infection, though these are uncommon.