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Use Of Spinal Tap For Both Treatment And Diagnostic Purpose

Spinal tap is also known as Lumbar Puncture (LP), and it is very important because of its properties in the treatment and diagnosis of health conditions. The location for this procedure is lower back. This test is mostly used to detect leukemia, meningitis, and other illnesses. Other use of spinal tap is to give medications and spinal anesthesia (epidural). In this procedure, to inject medicine and withdraw cerebrospinal fluid, healthcare providers will insert a hollow needle in the lower back’ subarachnoid space (space surrounding the spinal column).  Side effects of this procedure vary from person to person like some face spinal headaches. But overall this procedure is considered safe.

Conditions That Need Spinal Tap

Spinal tap is very effective in trying to rule out or confirm health conditions such as:

  • Inflammation of the membranes present around the brain and spinal cord (Meningitis)

  • Inflammation of the brain tissues itself (Encephalitis)

  • Dementia

  • Bleeding in the brain

  • Inflammation of the spinal cord (Myelitis)

  •  Cancer of the blood (Leukemia)

  • Multiple sclerosis (Autoimmune diseases)

Spinal tap has great use in providing treatment especially injecting drugs like:


  • Antibiotics

  • Anesthetics

  • Cancer medications

In this way drugs directly reach the nervous system, instead of passing through the bloodstream. When local anesthesia is given through this procedure, then it is known as spinal anesthesia.

Preparation Before Procedure

If Spinal Tap is recommended for your treatment and diagnostic purpose at Pain Management Fort Worth or Richardson Pain Management, the healthcare staff will attempt to contact you using the number provided, two to three days before your procedure to clear up any confusion. In addition, advise you about the preparation before the procedure.

 Please, inform pain management doctors if you are already on these medications:

  • Blood thinners

  • Antibiotics

  • Local anesthetics

  • Allergic to any medication

  • If you are expecting a baby or trying to get pregnant then, please try to check your doctor prior to scheduling the exam. Moreover, you should discuss your doctor's alternatives.

  • You may be provided with a gown but if you are comfortable with your own clothes then it can also be done in them. For this purpose, you have to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes and easy shoes.

  • Don’t wear any jewelry and try to leave all valuable things at home.

  • Until the procedure, try to enhance your fluid intake like juice and water for the two days till your procedure.

  • Try to contact your doctor, if you think it is not safe for you.

  • Before the procedure, do not eat anything for three hours. 

  • Try to bring your list of medicines, to alert your doctor for any interactions.

  • Your doctor may suggest you to hold any medications which are necessary for you.

  • You should not come alone to the procedure clinic. Instead, you should bring a person who can easily drive you home.

  • Please arrive on time almost one hour before the scheduled procedure for check in on time and to get prepared mentally and physically for the procedure.

Procedure Of Spinal Tap

There is availability of lumbar puncture procedures in hospitals, but nowadays many doctors are offering this as outpatient procedures in their own practices.

Procedure is as follow:

  • Between the 3rd and 4th or the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, the doctor will try to insert a hollow, thin needle into the lower part of the lumbar spine. 

  • The patient is asked to bend to an extent to make enough space for the needle. Best thing a doctor can do is to ask the patient to arch his back forwards while lying sideways or sitting down.

  • Doctor will disinfect and numb your skin with the help  of a local anesthetic.

  • The doctor will push the needle three to four centimeters inward the spinal cord after inserting it carefully. CFS itself will get collected into a sterile container after trickling through the hollow needle. Almost, it is possible to collect 10 to 15 milliliters spinal fluid. The site of needle insertion is then covered with the help of bandage after carefully removing the needle. Spinal tap takes 15 minutes to complete very carefully. 

  • After that, it is important to rest for one hour by lying down for one hour in hospital, but take complete rest for 24 hours at home. After many hours, the doctor will evaluate the site of insertion and check your feasibility of moving the leg easily. Your time to stay in the hospital depends on your purpose, either for a test or for treatment.

Risks Of A Spinal Tap

Medical procedures may have some risks. Some are life-threatening, while some are mild.

Risks of a spinal tap include:

  • Broken blood vessels

  • Infection

  • Headache that gets worse

  • Bleeding

  • Brain damage

  • Back pain

Benefits Of Spinal Tap For Diagnostic Purpose 

Laboratory technicians after analysis and evaluation estimate results for a number of health conditions, after receiving the spinal fluid.

  • White Blood Cells

A spinal fluid examination typically reveals approximately five white blood cells per microliter. A greater number of white blood cells indicates an infection.

  • Spinal Fluid Appearance

It is almost always colorless and clear spinal fluid, however, if it is colored: Symptoms of abnormal bleeding include orange, yellow, and pink. An infection or bilirubin is indicated by the color green.

  • Total Protein And The Presence Of Certain Proteins

The values of laboratory tests vary from one healthcare facility to another. However, one thing that most often occurs is an increase in total protein levels: An increase in blood sugar levels of more than 45 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) could indicate an infection or an inflammatory condition.

  • Microorganisms 

As a result of the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microorganisms, conditions of infection can develop.

  • Cancer Cells

When the spinal fluid contains abnormal cells, it may indicate the presence of immature blood cells or tumors. It may also indicate the presence of certain types of cancer.

Summary

Although, the procedures which involve spine sound scary but luckily spinal taps carry some risks. Try to consult doctors like Dr Zulqarnain and staff under dr ali Pain Management about any health concerns. If you feel spinal headaches, your health care provider will offer you some suggestions to get relief.

Dr. Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.