spinal puncture
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A medical procedure involving the removal of cerebrospinal fluid: A "spinal puncture" is a diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedure. It involves the insertion of a needle into the spinal canal, specifically in the lumbar region, to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space.
Usage
- The term is used in formal medical contexts to describe the specific procedure.
- It is often synonymous with "lumbar puncture," though "spinal puncture" can be a broader term.
Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor ordered a spinal puncture to test for meningitis.
- A spinal puncture can help measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Advanced Usage
- "To perform a spinal puncture": This is the standard phrasing for describing the action of conducting this medical procedure.
- The neurologist will perform a spinal puncture this afternoon.
Variants and Related Words
- Lumbar puncture (LP) (n): The most common specific type of spinal puncture, performed in the lumbar region. This is often used interchangeably with "spinal puncture" in clinical settings.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (n): The primary diagnostic test performed on the fluid obtained from a spinal puncture.
- Spinal tap (n, informal): A common informal term for a lumbar puncture.
Synonyms
- Lumbar puncture: The most direct synonym.
- Cisternal puncture: A related but different procedure performed at the base of the skull.
- Ventricular puncture: A procedure to access CSF from the brain's ventricles.
Related Phrases
- Diagnostic spinal puncture: A puncture performed specifically to obtain a sample for laboratory analysis to diagnose conditions like infection, bleeding, or autoimmune disorders.
- Therapeutic spinal puncture: A puncture performed to relieve pressure or administer medication directly into the CSF.
Notes
- The procedure is also used therapeutically to administer spinal anesthesia or chemotherapy drugs.
- While "spinal puncture" is a correct technical term, "lumbar puncture" is more precise for the common lower back procedure and is frequently preferred in medical documentation.
Noun
- removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes