So next week I have to have an LP (a.k.a) spinal tap, and i am so scared, can anyone tell me about what it is?
Answers:
You always seem spinal taps on doctors shows. They use them to test for certain conditions/diseases. What I know will probably not help you much. But, they disinfect the area they're going to preform it on, and have the pacient lie on their side. Then, the doctor sticks a needle into the lumbar area of the back, and withdraws fluid. It is discribed on the shows and "uncomfortable" which means it probably will hurt.
Ask for emla cream (or something like that) if you have the chance. i used to hate going in for blood draws/IVs, but this really helps. If you put it on an hour before hand, it numbs the skin, so you feel preasure but not pain. I don't know if you can use it for a lumbar puncture, but its worth asking for.
first why do you have to have one next week?
these are usually done fo things like menigititis ect...>?
look at web md.com
It sounds pretty scary, doesn't it.
Do you want the graphic description or the short answer?
What they do is to have you lie down on your side and pull your knees up. Then they use a needle to draw out some fluid from the area around your spinal column.
They don't actually go into your spine. Just in to the membrane in the area around it where the fluid goes through.
It usually just feels like getting a shot in your back.
If you are scared, you can hold the nurse's hand. One good trick is to squeeze the nurse's hand REALLY HARD and then concentrate on how hard you are squeezing. If you just hold her index and middle finger, you can squeeze as hard as you want without hurting her.
A lumbar puncture requires aseptic technique and performance by qualified and skilled medical practitioners.
In performing a lumbar puncture (in an adult), first the patient is usually placed in a left (or right) lateral position with his/her neck bent in full flexion and knees bent in full flexion up to his/her chest, approximating a fetal position as much as possible. It is also possible to have the patient sit on a stool and bend his/her head and shoulders forward. The area around the lower back is prepared using aseptic technique. Once the appropriate location is palpated, a spinal needle is inserted, usually between the lumbar vertebrae L3/L4 or L4/L5 and pushed in until there is a "give" that indicates the needle is past the dura mater. The stylet from the spinal needle is then withdrawn and drops of cerebrospinal fluid are collected. The opening and closing pressures of the cerebrospinal fluid may be taken during this collection. The procedure is ended by withdrawing the needle while placing pressure on the puncture site. The patient should then lie on his/her back for at least six hours and be monitored for any signs of neurological problems. The technique described is almost identical to that used in spinal anesthesia, except that spinal anesthesia is more often done with the patient in a sitting position.
Patient anxiety during the procedure can lead to increased CSF fluid pressure, especially if the person holds their breath, tenses their muscles or flexes their knees too tightly against their chest. Diagnostic analysis of changes in fluid pressure during lumbar puncture procedures requires attention both to the patient's condition during the procedure and to their medical history.
Lumbar Puncture-a spinal tap; that is, inserting a hollow needle into the spinal canal and withdrawing spinal fluid. This is done between the lumbar vertebrae. The purpose of lumbar puncture is to obtain spinal fluid for diagnosis, relieve pressure from excess spinal fluid (as in meningitis), or to introduce a drug or anesthetic solution (spinal anesthesia).
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