SPINAL TAP / LUMBAR PUNCTURE
The spinal corduroy comprises of package of nerve fibers and associated tissue paper that is link to the brain and runs down the back . It is a part of central nervous system ( CNS ) . The spinal cord primarily functions as the neuronic signal transmitter between the brainpower and the relaxation of the torso . It is responsible for most reflexes , controlling muscle and trend as well as the signified of feeling . The spinal cord is protected by the bones of the prickle and surrounded by a readable fluid call up Cerebral Spinal Fluid ( CSF ) .
A spinal tap ( also call lumbar puncture ) is a procedure done to collect and seem at the fluid ( CSF ) for contagion , cancers , and bleeding .
Procedure : Patient is work to the operating room and asked to lie on his / her side , with the human knee bend in full flexion up to the chest of drawers or asked to bow over while posture . Once the doctor palpates the appropriate location in the lower back , the region is cleansed and local anaesthetic is pass through under the pelt to numb . Then a tenacious spinal needle is inserted into the spinal canal ( lumbar area ) and pushed until the phonograph needle reaches the space just outside the membrane that surrounds the cerebrospinal fluid , the “ dura ” . The needle is further inserted to reach CSF by piercing the dura . Then , a tap is insert and the fluid is compile into vials and sent to a laboratory to diagnose if there is any serious infections such as meningitis , disorders of the fundamental nervous system of rules such as Guillain - Barre Syndrome and multiple sclerosis or cancers of the head or spinal electric cord .
After the procedure , a bandage is place at the injection site and the affected role is advised not to bathe for 24 hours .
