Lumbar puncture: indications and procedure description

Lumbar puncture is an important diagnostic procedure, during which a spinal fluid is taken . To date, it is this study is the most accurate, as it helps the doctor to determine the state of the body, as well as the presence of certain diseases.

Lumbar puncture: technique

This procedure is really very important for diagnosing a number of very dangerous diseases and conditions. It is worth noting that such a study has been known for a long time - the first time it was carried out in 1891.

The technique is quite simple. As a rule, lumbar puncture is combined with X-ray examination. In such cases, the patient needs proper preparation. Before the procedure, you must necessarily cleanse the intestine. If the X-ray is not needed, then there is no need for any special preparation.

The lumbar function is performed either in a sitting position, or lying on its side and bending its legs to the chest. To begin with, the doctor must treat the skin with an antiseptic on the back of the patient, and also wash hands thoroughly. Remember that only one-time, sterile needles are used to take the cerebrospinal fluid, which must be printed directly during the procedure.

The puncture occurs between the third and fourth vertebrae. First, the doctor introduces a thin needle through which an anesthetic drug is delivered to the puncture site. After that, a thin needle is removed and a thicker puncture needle with a stethode is inserted into the same place. Thus, the withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid takes place. The procedure, as a rule, does not take much time.

Lumbar puncture - is it painful? This question is of interest to many patients. The procedure should be performed using local anesthesia, so do not worry about severe pain. However, during the puncture, discomfort is possible.

Lumbar puncture: indications for reduction

Doctors use the results of the study to diagnose many diseases. The withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid is carried out with suspicion of:

• Inflammatory diseases of the nervous system, including meningitis, myelitis and meningoencephalitis;
• Outflow of cerebrospinal fluid in the nasal cavity and ears (liquorrhea);
• Hemorrhages with severe bruises of the spinal cord and brain;
• Hydrocephalus;
• Change in intracranial pressure;
• arachnoiditis.

In addition, lumbar puncture is used during X-ray studies - ozone, oxygen or some kind of contrast agent is injected through the puncture. In some cases this way drugs are administered.

Lumbar puncture - is it dangerous?

Many patients refuse to conduct such a procedure. The fact is that for many years around this research a lot of myths have formed, which are far from always always true. For example, it is believed that when taking a cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord, an infection can be introduced. Yes, there is always a risk of infection, but in this case it is too small, because doctors use modern antiseptic drugs and disposable, sterile needles.

There is an opinion that the lumbar function is fraught with damage to the spinal cord. In fact, it is almost impossible, because the spinal cord in an adult ends at the level of the second vertebra of the lumbar region, and a puncture is made between the third and fourth vertebrae.