Lumbar puncture procedure for diagnosing<unk>  The term aseptic can be misleading, implying a lack of infection. On the contrary, many cases of<unk>  represent infection with viruses or mycobacteria that cannot be detected with routine methods. Medical professionals will take into consideration the season of the year, the medical history of the individual and family, physical examination, and laboratory results when diagnosing<unk> . One common medical test used when diagnosing<unk>  is lumbar puncture. A medical professional inserts a needle between two vertebrae to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid collected from the lumbar puncture is analyzed by microscope examination or by culture to distinguish between bacterial and<unk> . Samples of CSF undergo cell count, Gram stains, and viral cultures, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Polymerase chain reaction has increased the ability of clinicians to detect viruses such as enterovirus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus in the CSF, but many viruses can still escape detection. Other laboratory tests include blood, urine, and stool collection. Medical professionals also have the option of performing a computed tomographic (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), these tests help observe calcifications or abscesses.
Aseptic meningitis
Fungal meningitis
Viral meningitis
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis
Herpesviral meningitis
Viral encephalitis
Tuberculous meningitis
Granulomatous meningoencephalitis