Which statement accurately describes intrathecal administration in this context?

• A. Administered via lumbar puncture
• B. Given orally
• C. Through intramuscular injection
• D. Via intravenous infusion

Answer: (A)

Intrathecal administration delivers the drug directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. This route bypasses the blood-brain barrier, allowing the medication to reach CNS tissues at higher concentrations than would be possible with systemic routes. The standard access is a lumbar puncture, where a needle is placed into the lower spine to reach the subarachnoid space and the drug is injected there. This is different from oral, intramuscular, or intravenous administration, which move the drug into the digestive tract, muscle tissue, or bloodstream, respectively, and do not deliver it directly into the CSF.