INTRATHECAL INJECTION Meaning and
Definition
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An intrathecal injection is a medical procedure in which a substance is injected directly into the space between the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. The meninges are composed of three layers: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. This injection is performed using a specialized needle that is inserted into the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Intrathecal injections are commonly used for various therapeutic purposes, such as administering medication or anesthesia directly to the central nervous system. This method allows the substance to bypass certain barriers that may impede its delivery through other routes, such as the bloodstream or gastrointestinal tract. It offers the advantage of directly targeting the cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes the brain and spinal cord, and enables the administered substance to distribute throughout the central nervous system rapidly.
This procedure is performed under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection. The needle is typically inserted either in the lower back, known as a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, or through a surgically implanted catheter, such as an intrathecal pump. Intrathecal injections can be used for various purposes, including the administration of pain medication, chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, antibiotics for meningitis, or diagnostic purposes, such as obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis.
Overall, intrathecal injection is a medical technique that involves the direct injection of a substance into the space that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing an efficient and precise method for medication delivery and diagnostic purposes in specific medical situations.
Common Misspellings for INTRATHECAL INJECTION
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Etymology of INTRATHECAL INJECTION
The word "intrathecal" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "intra", meaning "within" or "into", and "theca", which translates to "case" or "sheath". Consequently, "intrathecal" can be interpreted as "within the sheath".
In the context of medical terminology, "intrathecal injection" refers to the administration of a substance directly into the space surrounding the spinal cord (referred to as the thecal sac or dura mater), bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This procedure can allow for targeted delivery of certain medications or diagnostic agents for various medical purposes.
