If you go to the doctor with a horrible headache and a stiff neck, why might she suggest a spinal tap?
A) A spinal tap will tell if you have a brain tumor
B) The CSF can help diagnose specific diseases.
C) The CSF is the same as the blood supply, and the doctor can tell if you have an infection.
D) The CSF is the only way the doctor can tell if you are on drugs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A stiff neck and headache can be symptoms of a variety of neurological conditions, including meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. A spinal tap, which involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal cord, can help diagnose these conditions, as well as other neurological disorders. The doctor can examine the CSF for signs of infection, inflammation, or bleeding, and can also test it for specific proteins, cells, or other compounds that may indicate a particular disease.

If You Go to the Doctor with a Horrible Headache