What causes high nucleated cell count in CSF?

Causes of high nucleated cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

* Infectious meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Bacterial meningitis is the most common cause of a high nucleated cell count in CSF.

* Viral meningitis: Viral meningitis is a common cause of aseptic meningitis, which is meningitis that is not caused by bacteria. Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis and resolves on its own within a few weeks.

* Encephalitis: Encephalitis is an infection of the brain. It can be caused by the same organisms that cause meningitis. Encephalitis can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

* Subarachnoid hemorrhage: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a bleeding in the space between the brain and the meninges. It can be caused by a head injury, a ruptured aneurysm, or a vascular malformation.

* Head injury: A head injury can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF due to bleeding and inflammation.

* Stroke: A stroke can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF due to bleeding and inflammation.

* Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve cells. Multiple sclerosis can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF due to inflammation.

* Guillain-Barré syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves. It can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF due to inflammation.

* Cancer: Cancer can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF due to the spread of cancer cells to the meninges.

* Drugs: Certain drugs, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, can cause a high nucleated cell count in CSF.