A Comparative Study of Intraspinal Pressure, Blood Pressure and Intra-Ocular Tension

This study was undertaken for the purpose of determining whether a relationship exists between intraspinal pressure, blood pressure and intra-ocular tension. The order of procedure, the posture of the patient, the arm used in determining the blood pressure and the instruments used were always the same. The instruments were the Fleischer spinal manometer, the Schiotz's tonometer and the Baumanometer. The blood pressure was taken on the right arm with the patient lying flat on his back. The systolic pressure was recorded at the first distinct click, and the diastolic pressure at the point where the sharp snappy knock changed into a dull blow; i. e. at the first and fourth phases, respectively. The ocular tension was taken in the same posture after the use of 1 per cent. holocain solution. The spinal pressure was taken with the patient lying on the left side and after the use of 1 c.c.