WHAT IS a spinal tap?
MY DOCTOR SAID i need a spinal tap done .i never had this done .does it hurt?
A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid). Spinal tap is also referred to as a lumbar puncture, or LP.
Some of the reasons your doctor may want to do a spinal tap include the following:
* To look for infection
* To check to see if there is bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
* To look for causes of unexplained seizures
* To look for causes of headaches
Cerebrospinal fluid is a liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. An adult has about 140 mL (just under 5 oz) of spinal fluid. Typically, an adult makes 30-100 mL of spinal fluid daily.
A spinal tap can be performed in any person and at any age from newborn to age 100 years and older.
Spinal Tap Preparation
* No special preparation is needed on your part before a spinal tap.
* Always ask your doctor to fully explain the process to you as she or he is doing it. This talking through helps to lessen any anxiety that you may experience.
During the Procedure
Most spinal taps can be completed within 5-10 minutes.
* You are asked to lie on your side with your legs and hips bent (flexed) up toward your chest and your neck slightly bent forward. This position is often called the fetal position. (Some doctors place you in a seated position, where you lean forward and rest your arms on a tray or back of a chair. This is an acceptable alternative position.)
* The doctor always wears sterile gloves and occasionally also wears a mask and gown.
* The spinal tap is performed using sterile technique, meaning that everything used is sterilized to minimize any risk of infection.
* The doctor next identifies landmarks on your body. Frequently, the doctor does this by feeling the top of the pelvis bone (on your side). This area corresponds with the fourth and fifth lumbar space where the needle is inserted.
* A numbing medication (lidocaine) is injected first into your skin and then into the deeper tissues of your lower back to numb the area completely. This injection causes some minor discomfort, which is usually brief and has been described as a burning sensation.
* You should inform the doctor at any time if you feel pain when the procedure is being performed.
* The needle is then inserted in your lower back, usually at the third and fourth lumbar or fourth and fifth lumbar level. The needle passes between the 2 vertebrae to enter the space where the fluid is contained. Placing you in the fetal position allows the vertebral spaces to open more widely to make needle passage easier.
* Occasionally, the doctor may measure the pressure within the fluid containing area. This does not change the procedure nor does it affect the results.
* The fluid is then allowed to collect into a series of 3 or 4 vials that are then sent to the lab for evaluation.
* The fluid collects passively, meaning it is allowed to drip out into each vial at its own pace. This step can take several minutes for a full specimen collection.
* After the fluid is collected, the needle is removed and a bandage or small dressing is placed over the area.
good luck.
drains fluid from your spinal cord. could hurt but with modern
techniqes pain should be minimal.
To add to what Josh's hon quoted.
It does not really hurt while you get it but most people do get a very bad headache either during or right after the procedure.
It is when the doctor needs to take a sample of the brain/spinal fluid. You are usually in a sitting position culred forward with your back exposed.
It is usually done by an anaethetist under sterile conditions.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the middle of your back after they feel for the spinal bones usually someone around mid back level. This anaesthetic will numb the area so a bigger needle can be put in.
The doctor will then feel very well around the area to find which exact spot to put in the bigger needle. This needle slides in between the spinal vertebra and goes through the membranes where the spinal fluid is. A small sample flows out into a container for testing.
It is very similar to having an epidural or a spinal anaesthetic put in when you are having a c-section. People complain the local anaesthetic stings as it is going in before it goes numb. The other thing I hear form patients is that they feel a lot of pushing and pressure when they are pushing the needle in but it is not painful.
Afterwards it is possible to get a headache as when the fluid is removed it allows the brain to sag down a little (this is not dangerous) and it gives you a headache. The brain and the spinal cord all share the same fluid. You are usually told to lay down for 1 hour after and some places still like their patients to lay down for 24 hours. During this time you need to drink as much fluids as possible to help replenish the fluid.
I have had an epidural many years ago and it was fine - pressure and pushing - no pain.
If you are terribly scared of nervous then you can always ask for mild sedation while having it.
A spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, is a procedure designed to take cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.its one under local anesthesia, normally- 2-3 cc ( mililiters) of lignocaine 2% concentration, with a needle that will reach the midline deep (about 7 cms) very thin, same caliber of a needle used for IV injections, and applied above the sacrum (6 cms above the end of the fold between the buttocks) until it hits the dura and pierces it.the fluid is allow to drip (never sucked with a syringe), and depending on the analysis planned, 5 ml of fluid is extracted...
Previous to the puncture, the doctor will apply 1 cms of local anesthetic, as to make is as les unconfortable as possible..
If you are very aprehensive or nervous, let your doctor know that situation, and he or she will provide you with a mild sedative (oral bromazepam or diazepam) that will make the procedure easier..
Its bothersome, however, I wouls assure, if you are relaxed, its not painful.
I have had a spinal tap due to headaches I have. It sounds worse than it really is. The procedure does not hurt. The prick from the needle they use to numb the area hurt more than the spinal tap itself. You will feel pressure on your back when they put the needle in but it is not painful. I felt no pain when I had it done and I didn't get a headache from it either. Good luck with your procedure and don't worry about it.
A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid).
Some of the reasons your doctor may want to do a spinal tap include the following:
To look for infection
To check to see if there is bleeding around the brain
To look for causes of unexplained seizures
To look for causes of headaches
It will hurt however a numbing medication is injected first into your skin and then into the deeper tissues of your lower back to numb the area completely.
For intensive details log on to :
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/spinal_ta...
This site covers all the risk,procedure of spinal Tap and consequences also.
Hope it helps you.
They have to put a needle into your spinal column to take out some spinal fluid to test it for bacteria, etc. It does hurt a little bit, but really it isn't too bad. Good luck!
My husband just had a spinal tap 2 days ago. He said it didn't hurt when they did it, but now he's in so much pain he either can't move or has to crawl where he wants to go. Make sure it is absolutely necessary before they do it. I wouldn't wish what he is going through on anyone.
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A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid). Spinal tap is also referred to as a lumbar puncture, or LP.
Some of the reasons your doctor may want to do a spinal tap include the following:
* To look for infection
* To check to see if there is bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
* To look for causes of unexplained seizures
* To look for causes of headaches
Cerebrospinal fluid is a liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. An adult has about 140 mL (just under 5 oz) of spinal fluid. Typically, an adult makes 30-100 mL of spinal fluid daily.
A spinal tap can be performed in any person and at any age from newborn to age 100 years and older.
Spinal Tap Preparation
* No special preparation is needed on your part before a spinal tap.
* Always ask your doctor to fully explain the process to you as she or he is doing it. This talking through helps to lessen any anxiety that you may experience.
During the Procedure
Most spinal taps can be completed within 5-10 minutes.
* You are asked to lie on your side with your legs and hips bent (flexed) up toward your chest and your neck slightly bent forward. This position is often called the fetal position. (Some doctors place you in a seated position, where you lean forward and rest your arms on a tray or back of a chair. This is an acceptable alternative position.)
* The doctor always wears sterile gloves and occasionally also wears a mask and gown.
* The spinal tap is performed using sterile technique, meaning that everything used is sterilized to minimize any risk of infection.
* The doctor next identifies landmarks on your body. Frequently, the doctor does this by feeling the top of the pelvis bone (on your side). This area corresponds with the fourth and fifth lumbar space where the needle is inserted.
* A numbing medication (lidocaine) is injected first into your skin and then into the deeper tissues of your lower back to numb the area completely. This injection causes some minor discomfort, which is usually brief and has been described as a burning sensation.
* You should inform the doctor at any time if you feel pain when the procedure is being performed.
* The needle is then inserted in your lower back, usually at the third and fourth lumbar or fourth and fifth lumbar level. The needle passes between the 2 vertebrae to enter the space where the fluid is contained. Placing you in the fetal position allows the vertebral spaces to open more widely to make needle passage easier.
* Occasionally, the doctor may measure the pressure within the fluid containing area. This does not change the procedure nor does it affect the results.
* The fluid is then allowed to collect into a series of 3 or 4 vials that are then sent to the lab for evaluation.
* The fluid collects passively, meaning it is allowed to drip out into each vial at its own pace. This step can take several minutes for a full specimen collection.
* After the fluid is collected, the needle is removed and a bandage or small dressing is placed over the area.
good luck.
drains fluid from your spinal cord. could hurt but with modern
techniqes pain should be minimal.
To add to what Josh's hon quoted.
It does not really hurt while you get it but most people do get a very bad headache either during or right after the procedure.
It is when the doctor needs to take a sample of the brain/spinal fluid. You are usually in a sitting position culred forward with your back exposed.
It is usually done by an anaethetist under sterile conditions.
Local anaesthetic is injected into the middle of your back after they feel for the spinal bones usually someone around mid back level. This anaesthetic will numb the area so a bigger needle can be put in.
The doctor will then feel very well around the area to find which exact spot to put in the bigger needle. This needle slides in between the spinal vertebra and goes through the membranes where the spinal fluid is. A small sample flows out into a container for testing.
It is very similar to having an epidural or a spinal anaesthetic put in when you are having a c-section. People complain the local anaesthetic stings as it is going in before it goes numb. The other thing I hear form patients is that they feel a lot of pushing and pressure when they are pushing the needle in but it is not painful.
Afterwards it is possible to get a headache as when the fluid is removed it allows the brain to sag down a little (this is not dangerous) and it gives you a headache. The brain and the spinal cord all share the same fluid. You are usually told to lay down for 1 hour after and some places still like their patients to lay down for 24 hours. During this time you need to drink as much fluids as possible to help replenish the fluid.
I have had an epidural many years ago and it was fine - pressure and pushing - no pain.
If you are terribly scared of nervous then you can always ask for mild sedation while having it.
A spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, is a procedure designed to take cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.its one under local anesthesia, normally- 2-3 cc ( mililiters) of lignocaine 2% concentration, with a needle that will reach the midline deep (about 7 cms) very thin, same caliber of a needle used for IV injections, and applied above the sacrum (6 cms above the end of the fold between the buttocks) until it hits the dura and pierces it.the fluid is allow to drip (never sucked with a syringe), and depending on the analysis planned, 5 ml of fluid is extracted...
Previous to the puncture, the doctor will apply 1 cms of local anesthetic, as to make is as les unconfortable as possible..
If you are very aprehensive or nervous, let your doctor know that situation, and he or she will provide you with a mild sedative (oral bromazepam or diazepam) that will make the procedure easier..
Its bothersome, however, I wouls assure, if you are relaxed, its not painful.
I have had a spinal tap due to headaches I have. It sounds worse than it really is. The procedure does not hurt. The prick from the needle they use to numb the area hurt more than the spinal tap itself. You will feel pressure on your back when they put the needle in but it is not painful. I felt no pain when I had it done and I didn't get a headache from it either. Good luck with your procedure and don't worry about it.
A spinal tap is a procedure performed when a doctor needs to look at the cerebrospinal fluid (also known as spinal fluid).
Some of the reasons your doctor may want to do a spinal tap include the following:
To look for infection
To check to see if there is bleeding around the brain
To look for causes of unexplained seizures
To look for causes of headaches
It will hurt however a numbing medication is injected first into your skin and then into the deeper tissues of your lower back to numb the area completely.
For intensive details log on to :
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/spinal_ta...
This site covers all the risk,procedure of spinal Tap and consequences also.
Hope it helps you.
They have to put a needle into your spinal column to take out some spinal fluid to test it for bacteria, etc. It does hurt a little bit, but really it isn't too bad. Good luck!
My husband just had a spinal tap 2 days ago. He said it didn't hurt when they did it, but now he's in so much pain he either can't move or has to crawl where he wants to go. Make sure it is absolutely necessary before they do it. I wouldn't wish what he is going through on anyone.
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