What does gray spinal fluid indicate?

Gray spinal fluid usually indicates the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, often resulting from a traumatic injury or the rupture of a brain aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. The hemorrhage causes red blood cells to enter the spinal fluid, giving it a grayish appearance. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. However, in extremely rare cases, it might also be associated with infections (meningitis) caused by certain bacteria that have a characteristic grayish pigmentation. Regardless, whenever encountering grayish spinal fluid during a lumbar puncture, prompt investigation and expert medical consultation are essential.