they were going to give me a spinal tap to check for meningitis. but they decided ageist it.
what does it stand for?
how much does it Seriously hurt? (1-10)
why is it important? why cant they just get it from my arm?
what are the advantages and disadvantages to having a spinal tap?
thanks.
2007-04-20 05:54:29 · 8 answers · asked by .:.:.Mizz_undaStood.:.:. 4 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
a spinal tap is performed by inserting a large needle into the spinal tube, they draw off fluid that comes directly from the brain in order to determine whether or not there is an infection going on (meningitis). It sounds horrendous, but it really isn't all that painful, maybe 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, I've had several.
2007-04-20 05:59:18 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You see there is a skin or bag around the spine that protects it..and in this skin or bad there is a fluid that flows up and down from the end of the spine into the brain it's all connected and they use a big needle to remove a bit of this fluid to check for spinal meningitis or other problems..and i have had this done a long time ago and yes it hurts like hell..not at the time but after ..from 1 to 10 i would have to give this atleast an 8 on the pain chart..and you are better off having it done to get good results..
2007-04-20 06:05:32 · answer #2 · answered by rcbrokebones 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The procedure is actually called a "Lumbar Puncture."
The test is necessary because the fluid in your spinal passage is also the same fluid that surrounds your brain, and there is NO other way to check for bacteria in this enclosed space except to get it from the source.
If the doctors thought you had meningitis, it was an appropriate measure to consider this test.
Meningitis is a HORRIBLE disease that can lead to all sorts of neurological injuries, even death. But an accurate assessment must be made in order to deliver the proper level of treatment.
The pain is minimal these days because they can use a topical anesthetic on your back to numb the skin. I would say that it's probably about a 5 on a 1-10 scale.
2007-04-20 06:01:45 · answer #3 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Spinal Tap is a procedure in which a large needle is inserted into the spinal canal to extract spinal fluid. The fluid is tested for bacteria that may only show up in spinal fluid. It does hurt quite a bit.
2007-04-20 06:00:19 · answer #4 · answered by b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have to withdraw fluid from your spinal column. It is the only way to know if you have meningitis. It will not be painful other than an initial pin price.
They cannot take spinal fluid from your arm.
Meningitis is a serious disease. Be glad you have good health care and you are able to get the treatment.
2007-04-20 05:59:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's when they take a large syringe to draw out fluid from around your spinal cord. They can't get it from your arm because they are looking for fluid in your nervous system (around the spinal cord and brain). I hear it can be painful but that is the only way to check for certain diseases and infections.
2007-04-20 06:01:56 · answer #6 · answered by Lee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You doggone right it hurts. They literally stab you in the back with a real heave guage needle attached to a syringe into your spinal coulmn to draw some spinal fluid out. There are cases where it wasn't done right, and the patient was left paralyzed for life. The spine is no area to be monkeying around with. There are NO experts, things can go wrong.
2007-04-20 06:01:04 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
they have to take it from your spine ..they are looking for menigitis which is in spinal fluid...it hurts like a 35
2007-04-20 05:59:46 · answer #8 · answered by tyedyestarz 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋