What are the two main purposes of a spinal tap?

The two main purposes of a spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, are to measure or relieve pressure within the central nervous system and to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic purposes. Measuring CSF pressure can help diagnose conditions like hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension, while obtaining a CSF sample allows for the evaluation of various neurological diseases such as infections (like meningitis), multiple sclerosis, or even cancers affecting the central nervous system.

This procedure is performed in a controlled environment where a needle is inserted into the lumbar region of the spine to access the CSF, ensuring that clinicians can analyze the fluid for signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities. The other options provide contexts that may intersect with spinal taps but do not encapsulate the primary objectives of the procedure.