Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion. A CSF analysis measures substances in the fluid to diagnose conditions like infections, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease. A lumbar puncture collects CSF by inserting a needle between vertebrae into the spinal canal. The fluid is examined for pressure, appearance, cell counts, and tested for microbes to identify potential causes of neurological symptoms.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion. A CSF analysis measures substances in the fluid to diagnose conditions like infections, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease. A lumbar puncture collects CSF by inserting a needle between vertebrae into the spinal canal. The fluid is examined for pressure, appearance, cell counts, and tested for microbes to identify potential causes of neurological symptoms.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion. A CSF analysis measures substances in the fluid to diagnose conditions like infections, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease. A lumbar puncture collects CSF by inserting a needle between vertebrae into the spinal canal. The fluid is examined for pressure, appearance, cell counts, and tested for microbes to identify potential causes of neurological symptoms.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion. A CSF analysis measures substances in the fluid to diagnose conditions like infections, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease. A lumbar puncture collects CSF by inserting a needle between vertebrae into the spinal canal. The fluid is examined for pressure, appearance, cell counts, and tested for microbes to identify potential causes of neurological symptoms.
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Presentation on: Cerebrospinal
fluid(CSF) What is CSF?
CSF is a clear, colorless, watery fluid that flows in and around brain and spinal cord. Brain and spinal cord make up central nervous system. CSF acts like a cushion that helps protect brain and spinal cord from sudden impact or injury. The fluid also removes waste products from the brain and helps nervous system work properly. Analysis
A CSF analysis is used to measure different substances in cerebrospinal fluid. It may
include tests to diagnose: Infectious diseases of the brain and spinal cord, including meningitis and encephalitis. Autoimmune disorders(multiple sclerosis) Bleeding in the brain Brain tumors, including from the cancer in other parts of the body that may spread to the CNS. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia which includes memory loss, confusion and changes in behavior. Symptoms of Brian and spinal cord infections
Fever Severe headache Seizures Stiff neck Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light Double vision Changes in behavior confusion Sample collection
To get a sample of CSF, physician will do a procedure called spinal tap, also known as lumber puncture. During the procedure: Lie the patient on a side Clean the back and inject an anesthetic, so that the patient will not feel the pain during the procedure. Insert thin hollow needle between two vertebrae in lower spine. Take a small amount of CSF. CSF physical features
Pressure of the CSF can be measured when opening(starting) and closing(finishing) the collection. Increased pressure may be seen with a variety of conditions that such as tumors, infection, abnormal accumulation of CSF within the brain or bleeding. Decreased pressure may be due to dehydration, shock, or leakage of CSF. The appearance of the sample is usually compared with water. Color of the fluid--normal is clear and colorless. Yellow, orange, or pink CSF may indicate the breakdown of blood cells due to bleeding into CSF or the presence of bilirubin. Green CSF may also sometime be seen with bilirubin or infection. Turbidity Cloudy or turbid CSF may indicate the presence of white or red blood cells, microbes or an increase in protein levels.
Viscosity Normal CSF will have the same consistency as water. CSF that is thicker may seen in people with certain type of cancers or meningitis. Cell Counts, Differential and Microscopic Examination Normal CSF has no or very few cells present and appears clear. A small drop of CSF is examined using a microscope, and cells are counted manually (or in some cases counted using an instrument). If the number of white blood cells present is very few (for example, 5 or less in an adult), the laboratory may or may not identify them or perform a cell differential (see below). If white blood cells are numerous (such as greater than 5), a differential will most likely be done to determine the different kinds of white blood cells that are present. If cancer is suspected or has been previously diagnosed, a differential is always performed. CSF total cell counts Red blood cell (RBC) count—normally no red blood cells are present in the CSF. The presence of red blood cells may indicate bleeding into the CSF or may indicate a “traumatic tap” – blood that leaked into the CSF sample during collection. White blood cell (WBC) count—normally very few white blood cells are present. A significant increase in white blood cells in the CSF can be caused by infection or inflammation of the central nervous system CSF white blood cell (WBC) differential—identifies and counts the different types of WBCs that are present. Small numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes (and, in neonates, neutrophils) are normal in a sample of CSF. There may be: An increase in neutrophils with a bacterial infection An increase in lymphocytes with a viral or fungal infection Sometimes an increase in eosinophils with a parasitic infection A slight increase in lymphocytes with immune disorders of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis Presence of abnormal WBCs with leukemia that has spread to the central nervous system Normally, CSF does not contain any bacteria, fungi, viruses. If meningitis or encephalitis is suspected, select tests may be performed to detect and identify microbes. The selection of testing is frequently done based on signs and symptoms, the health of your immune system, and possible exposure to certain pathogens. Some of the more frequently performed tests are listed below. CSF Gram stain—this test is always performed on CSF when infection is suspected. A sample of CSF is centrifuged and the concentrated portion is placed on a slide and treated with a special stain. A laboratory professional examines the slide using a microscope to look for bacteria or fungi, which can indicate bacterial or fungal meningitis. CSF culture—culture is used to detect any bacteria or fungi in the sample. A negative culture does not rule out an infection because the microbes may be present in small numbers or unable to grow in culture due to prior antibiotic therapy
Mitchell Edwards D.O. - Guide to the Most Common Internal Medicine Workups and Diseases_ an Evidenced Based Guide for All Healthcare Providers Regarding Common Hospital Based Workups and Diseases Seen
Mitchell Edwards D.O. - Guide to the Most Common Internal Medicine Workups and Diseases_ an Evidenced Based Guide for All Healthcare Providers Regarding Common Hospital Based Workups and Diseases Seen
