LUMBAR PUNCTURES Meaning and
Definition
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A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle into the lower back area or lumbar region to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or to deliver medications. The lumbar puncture is typically performed to diagnose and evaluate various neurological conditions, such as infections of the brain or spinal cord, certain cancers, inflammatory disorders, and conditions affecting the central nervous system.
During a lumbar puncture, the patient is positioned on their side and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area around the lower back. A thin, hollow needle is then carefully inserted between the vertebrae into the subarachnoid space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord. CSF is collected through the needle, and the pressure within the spinal canal can also be measured if necessary. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to perform, and the collected CSF sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Although lumbar punctures are generally considered safe, there are potential risks and complications involved, including headache, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Special precautions may be taken for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking anticoagulant medications. Lumbar punctures are most commonly performed by neurologists, neurosurgeons, or specialized healthcare professionals trained in the procedure.
Common Misspellings for LUMBAR PUNCTURES
- lumbr puncture
- lumber puncture
- kumbar punctures
- pumbar punctures
- oumbar punctures
- lymbar punctures
- lhmbar punctures
- ljmbar punctures
- limbar punctures
- l8mbar punctures
- l7mbar punctures
- lunbar punctures
- lukbar punctures
- lujbar punctures
- lumvar punctures
- lumnar punctures
- lumhar punctures
- lumgar punctures
- lumbzr punctures
- lumbsr punctures
Etymology of LUMBAR PUNCTURES
The word "lumbar" is derived from the Latin word "lumbus" meaning "loin" or "lower back". It refers to the region of the spine located in the lower back.
"Puncture" comes from the Latin word "punctura", which means "a pricking" or "piercing".
Therefore, the term "lumbar puncture" is a medical procedure that involves pricking or piercing the lumbar region of the spine.
