Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) What to Know
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?- Clear, colorless fluid that fills the ventricles of the brain and bathes the brain and spinal cord.
- Provides a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord.
- Helps to circulate nutrients and remove waste products from the central nervous system.
What are the functions of CSF?
- Protects the brain and spinal cord: CSF acts as a shock absorber, protecting the brain and spinal cord from injury.
- Provides buoyancy: CSF helps to keep the brain and spinal cord afloat, which reduces the pressure on these organs.
- Cushions the brain and spinal cord: CSF fills the spaces between the brain and spinal cord, preventing them from rubbing against each other.
- Circulates nutrients and waste products: CSF helps to circulate nutrients and oxygen to the brain and spinal cord, and remove waste products.
What are the composition of CSF?
- 99% water
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium)
- Glucose
- Proteins
- White blood cells
- Red blood cells
How is CSF produced?
- Produced by the choroid plexus, a network of blood vessels in the ventricles of the brain.
- The choroid plexus filters the blood plasma to create CSF.
- CSF flows through the ventricles and into the subarachnoid space, which is the space between the brain and the skull.
- CSF is reabsorbed into the bloodstream by the arachnoid villi, which are small projections on the surface of the arachnoid membrane.
What are the normal values for CSF?
| Parameter | Normal Value |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 50-150 mm H2O |
| Color | Clear and colorless |
| Appearance | Clear and free of debris |
| Red blood cell count | 0-5 cells/μL |
| White blood cell count | 0-5 cells/μL |
| Glucose | 60-76 mg/dL |
| Protein | 15-40 mg/dL |
What are the signs and symptoms of a CSF leak?
- Headache that worsens with sitting or standing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
What are the causes of a CSF leak?
- Head injury
- Spinal injury
- Surgery
- Infection
- Tumor
How is a CSF leak diagnosed?
- Physical examination
- Neurological examination
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Lumbar puncture
How is a CSF leak treated?
- Bed rest
- Fluids
- Pain medication
- Antibiotics
- Surgery
What is the prognosis for a CSF leak?
- Most CSF leaks are successfully treated with conservative measures.
- However, some CSF leaks may require surgery.
- The prognosis for a CSF leak depends on the cause and severity of the leak.