Intrathecal (Latin intra- "inside", Greek theka "capsule", "hull") is an adjective that refers to something that happens inside the spinal canal. For example, intrathecal immunoglobulin production means production of this substance in the spinal cord. more

Intrathecal (Latin intra- "inside", Greek theka "capsule", "hull") is an adjective that refers to something that happens inside the spinal canal. For example, intrathecal immunoglobulin production means production of this substance in the spinal cord. [ 1 ]

As other example, an intrathecal injection (often simply called "intrathecal") is an injection into the spinal canal (intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord), as in a spinal anaesthesia or in chemotherapy or pain management applications. This route is also used for some infections, particularly post-neurosurgical. The drug needs to be given this way to avoid the blood brain barrier . The same drug given orally must enter the blood stream and has a much harder time reaching the brain; by the time it does, most of the drug has been absorbed by the body's system and is excreted. Drugs given intrathecally often have to be made up specially by a pharmacist or technician because they cannot contain any preservative or other potentially harmful inactive ingredients that are sometimes found in standard injectable drug preparations. less