What is the difference between epidural and intrathecal injection?
Intrathecal administration is delivered directly into the CSF and into the superifical spinal cord; epidural administration diffuses through the dura into the CSF, and thus has a slower onset of action.
Can cytarabine be given intrathecally?
Cytarabine Injection may be given by intravenous infusion or injection, subcutaneously, or intrathecally (preservative free preparation only).
Is an epidural considered intrathecal?
An intrathecal is a type of spinal anesthetic. A single dose of local anesthetic (numbing medication) is given through a needle placed into the lower back. Unlike an epidural, an intrathecal is a single dose of medication and isn’t repeated.
What is difference between epidural and spinal block?
With an epidural, anesthesia is injected into the epidural space. With a spinal, the anesthesia is injected into the dural sac that contains cerebrospinal fluid. The direct access means that a spinal gives immediate relief. That’s the main difference, but not the only one.
What is intrathecal cytarabine?
Cytarabine is a clear liquid. An experienced cancer doctor injects it into the fluid around the spinal cord during a lumbar puncture. This treatment is also called intrathecal cytarabine.
Why is intrathecal chemotherapy used?
Your doctor may recommend intrathecal chemotherapy for two main reasons: to target cancer cells in the space around the brain and spinal cord. to prevent cancer from reaching the CSF from other areas of your body.
Which chemotherapy drugs can be given intrathecally?
The three commonest IT drugs are methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), and corticosteroids. The CSF half-lives of methotrexate and Ara-C are much prolonged, a factor to be considered if these drugs are also administered systemically in high doses.
Why is intrathecal chemotherapy given?
When is intrathecal chemotherapy used? In some cancers, such as some types of leukaemia or lymphoma, cancer cells can pass into the CSF. Chemotherapy given into a vein or by mouth cannot easily get into the CSF. Intrathecal chemotherapy may be given if a cancer has spread to the CSF, or if there is a risk it could.
When is intrathecal chemotherapy given?
Treatment in which anticancer drugs are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Intrathecal chemotherapy. Anticancer drugs are injected into the intrathecal space, which is the space that holds the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, shown in blue).
What is better epidural or spinal?
If you’re heading into your first birth, your medical team may opt for an epidural. Here’s why: First births can last for 12 to 18 hours. Whereas a spinal gives you pain relief for an hour or two, an epidural offers you the option of pain relief for a longer period of time.
Is Intrathecal the same as spinal?
Intrathecal administration is a route of administration for drugs via an injection into the spinal canal, or into the subarachnoid space so that it reaches the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is useful in spinal anesthesia, chemotherapy, or pain management applications.
Is intrathecal the same as spinal tap?
Intrathecal chemotherapy can be given in two ways: Lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is a way to access your spine and deliver the medication to your CSF. It’s the same procedure your doctor probably did to test your CSF for cancer cells.
How do you inject cytarabine?
To avoid this from developing, make sure you pick a different area of skin to put each injection into. You can administer your cytarabine injection into your abdomen (tummy) and your outer thigh. Ideally you should aim to keep each new injection spot at least an inch away from your previous injection sites.