EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling.

Detailed explanation-2: -Why does a lumbar puncture take place in the lower lumbar region of the spinal cord? The spinal cord ends at approximately the level of L1, making the area between L4 and L5 a safe location to sample cerebral spinal fluid without injuring the neural tissue of the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurs when there is a tear or hole in the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord, allowing the clear fluid that surrounds and cushions those organs to escape.

Detailed explanation-4: -A migraine is a common type of headache. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Most people feel a throbbing pain on only one side of their head during a migraine. Some people who get migraines have warning signs, called an aura, before the actual headache begins.