Training: Tomorrow’s Health Team Diagnosing Infections Using Lumbar Puncture The “triad” symptoms of fever, neck stiffness (nuchal rigidity), and headache are warning signs of a serious nervous system infection: meningitis. Most patients exhibit at least one of these triad symptoms, although less than half will exhibit all three, so symptoms alone are insufficient for diagnosis. One of the most useful diagnostic tools for meningitis is the lumbar puncture (or spinal tap). In this procedure, a needle is inserted between the lumbar vertebrae to collect CSF for examination. The results can reveal either purulent (pus-containing, usually associated with bacterial infection) or aseptic (without cultivable organisms, usually viral infections) meningitis. Question 18.1 Based on the information in the section about nervous system anatomy, do you think a lumbar puncture could pinpoint the location of a CNS infection? Explain your reasoning.
