A striped racer, also known as the California whipsnake, is a species of non-venomous snake native to the coast and foothills of California. It is a long, slender, and fast-moving snake, identified by its distinctive stripes running down the length of its body. They primarily feed on lizards and small rodents. The scientific name for this species is Masticophis lateralis.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
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Lumbar puncture is used to do the following:
Evaluate intracranial pressure and CSF composition (see table Cerebrospinal Fluid Abnormalities in Various Disorders)
Therapeutically reduce intracranial pressure (eg, idiopathic intracranial hypertension)
Administer intrathecal drugs or a radiopaque contrast agent for myelographyRelative contraindications include
Infection at the puncture site
Bleeding diathesis
Increased intracranial pressure due to an intracranial mass lesion, obstructed CSF outflow (eg, due to aqueductal stenosis or Chiari I malformation), or spinal cord CSF blockage (eg, due to tumor cord compression)If papilledema or focal neurologic deficits are present, CT or MRI should be done before lumbar puncture to rule out presence of a mass that could precipitate transtentorial or cerebellar herniation.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) meaning & definition 1 of Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).