Part c Application. Women giving birth are often given an anesthetic medication into the epidural space, known as epidural anesthesia. Occasionally, this procedure causes a tear in the dura mater. What do you think might happen if this occurs? What is the possible risk to the woman?
2. Sometimes the spinal cord can be damaged in an accident. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, paralysis may occur. Define the following:
Monoplegia:
Paraplegia:
Hemiplegia:
Quadriplegia:
3. A patient has a suspected case of meningitis. The physician orders a spinal tap to make a diagnosis.
a. What is meningitis?
b. What is a spinal tap?
c. Why does the physician order a test in the spine to diagnose a problem in the head?
d. List the structures that the needle will pierce as he does this test, from superficial to deep.