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

1. removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes