What is csf

In the course of inflammation, such as MS, this entry is increased because of leukocyte interactions with inflamed endothelial cells. Furthermore, leukocytes penetrate the glia limitans and enter into the CNS. The latter move is facilitated by matrix metalloproteinases MMPs produced by macrophages, which loosen the glia limitans. Blood: Blood may be spilled into the CSF by accidental puncture of a leptomeningeal vein during entry of the LP needle. Such blood stains the fluid that is drawn initially and clears gradually.

If it does not clear, blood indicates subarachnoid hemorrhage. Erythrocytes from subarachnoid hemorrhage are cleared in 3 to 7 days. A few neutrophils and mononuclear cells may also be present as a result of meningeal irritation. Xanthochromia blonde color of the CSF following subarachnoid hemorrhage is due to oxyhemoglobin which appears in 4 to 6 hours and bilirubin which appears in two days.

Xanthochromia may also be seen with hemorrhagic infarcts, brain tumors, and jaundice. Increased inflammatory cells pleocytosis may be caused by infectious and noninfectious processes.

Polymorphonuclear pleocytosis indicates acute suppurative meningitis. Mononuclear cells are seen in viral infections meningoencephalitis, aseptic meningitis , syphilis, neuroborreliosis, tuberculous meningitis, multiple sclerosis, brain abscess and brain tumors. Tumor cells indicate dissemination of metastatic or primary brain tumors in the subarachnoid space. The most common among the latter is medulloblastoma.

They can be best detected by cytological examination. A mononuclear inflammatory reaction is often seen in addition to the tumor cells. Oligoclonal bands are also seen occasionally in some chronic CNS infections.

The type of oligoclonal bands is constant for each MS patient throughout the course of the disease. Oligoclonal bands occur in the CSF only not in the serum. These quantitative and qualitative CSF changes indicate that in MS, there is intrathecal immunoglobulin production. MBP can be detected by radioimmunoassay. MBP is not specific for MS.

It can appear in any condition causing brain necrosis, including infarcts. Low glucose in CSF is seen in suppurative, tuberculous and fungal infections, sarcoidosis, and meningeal dissemination of tumors. Glucose is consumed by leukocytes and tumor cells. Alzheimer's disease AD.

Total-tau t-tau and phosphorylated tau p-tau are both increased in AD. Tau is an intracellular protein and p-tau is a component of neurofibrillary tangles NFTs. Their increase in AD is thought to reflect neuronal death with release of tau into the extracellular space.

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. The proteins the name derives from their electrophoresis pattern are a group of proteins with diverse regulatory functions present in all cells. Elevated CSF in a patient with progressive dementia of less than 2 years' duration is considered a strong indicator of CJD.

A negative test does not rule out CJD. In the course of traumatic brain injury TBI , proteins from injured neurons and glial cells are released in the interstitial space and CSF and, because of damage of the BBB, make their way into the blood. Detection of these products in CSF or serum in the early phases of TBI would be very helpful, especially because imaging studies may be inconclusive.

Several such markers have been considered. Some of these are present in settings other than TBI. Other biomarkers such as neuron specific enolase and SB protein are elevated in TBI but are not specific because they are found in tissues outside the CNS. The rigid skull contains the brain, intravascular blood and CSF.

When the volume of one of these components increases, the other two adjust to this change up to a point. When intracranial pressure ICP exceeds cerebral perfusion pressure CPP , cerebral blood vessels are squeezed shut and cerebral ischemia ensues. Such a situation occurs as a result of brain tumors and arises also following large ischemic strokes, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Most cases of hydrocephalus are caused by obstruction of CSF flow-most frequently from brain tumors and aqueductal lesions. Using your own tissue or a biomaterial graft, the surgeon repairs the leak and seals the surgical opening. For CSF leaks that drain into the spinal canal, there are other treatments, such as use of blood or fibrin patches.

This can often repair the leak. If these methods fail, duraplasty — surgical repair of the dura — may be necessary. Physicians have long known that rising intracranial pressure may help create leaks. Now, a multidisciplinary team is developing protocols to better monitor rising pressures, especially in postsurgical patients. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is cerebrospinal fluid? What is a CSF leak? Analysis of the nasal fluid: This test is used to detect beta-2 transferrin, a protein found almost exclusively in CSF.

CT scan: This noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed imaging of bones and planes of the brain. MRI scan: This uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures in the body.

Cisternogram — CT or nuclear medicine : These two tests, each performed in a similar way, require a spinal tap also known as a lumbar puncture to administer a fluid to the CSF that allows your doctor to identify if a CSF leak is present and the source of the leak.

Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Reviewed by: Joseph V. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. CSF total protein. After the sample is taken, it is sent to a lab for evaluation.