SPINAL TAP Meaning and
Definition
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Spinal Tap, also known as lumbar puncture, refers to a medical procedure performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic purposes or to administer medication. This procedure involves the insertion of a small needle into the space between the vertebrae in the lower back, specifically in the lumbar region. The needle penetrates the spinal canal, which houses the CSF, enabling healthcare professionals to access and extract a small amount of this fluid.
Spinal taps are typically carried out under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Once the needle is in place, the healthcare provider collects a small amount of CSF that is sent to a laboratory for further examination. The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid can aid in diagnosing various conditions, including central nervous system infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, bleeding in the brain, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, or other disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Occasionally, spinal taps are also performed therapeutically to relieve symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure or to administer medications directly into the CSF. However, this is less common than their diagnostic usage.
While the procedure is generally considered safe, some potential risks include headache, infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks associated with a spinal tap with their healthcare provider to ensure informed decision-making and appropriate medical care.
Common Misspellings for SPINAL TAP
- apinal tap
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- dpinal tap
- epinal tap
- wpinal tap
- soinal tap
- slinal tap
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- spunal tap
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- spibal tap
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- spijal tap
Etymology of SPINAL TAP
The term "spinal tap" has its origins in 20th-century medical terminology. It is derived from the words "spinal", relating to the spine or spinal cord, and "tap", which refers to the act of tapping or puncturing with a sharp object. In a medical context, a "spinal tap" or "lumbar puncture" is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or to administer medication. The term "spinal tap" has also gained popularity outside of the medical field due to its association with the mockumentary film "This Is Spinal Tap", which parodied the life of a fictional rock band.
Similar spelling words for SPINAL TAP
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