Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: Lab Test Full Information

What is an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid?

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless fluid found in the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord from the central nervous system. The central nervous system controls and coordinates everything we do: muscle movement, the functioning of the body's organs and even complex thinking and planning. Cerebrospinal fluid helps protect the nervous system by acting as a shock absorber for sudden impacts and preventing injury to the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid also removes waste products from the brain and helps the central nervous system function properly.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of tests that look at cerebrospinal fluid to help diagnose diseases and abnormalities affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Other names: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, cerebrospinal fluid analysis

For what do you use it?

The cerebrospinal fluid analysis may include tests to diagnose:

• Infectious diseases of the brain and spinal cord such as meningitis and encephalitis. Tests of infections in the cerebrospinal fluid examine white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances in the cerebrospinal fluid.
• Autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis. Tests of these disorders in the cerebrospinal fluid seek high levels of certain proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid. They are the tests of albumin and IgG (immunoglobulin G) in the cerebrospinal fluid.
• Bleeding in the brain
• Brain tumors

Why do I need a cerebrospinal fluid test?

You may need a cerebrospinal fluid test if you have symptoms of an infection in the brain or spinal cord or an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis.

Some of the symptoms of an infection in the brain or spinal cord are:

• Fever
• Intense headache
• Seizures
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision
• Changes in behavior
• Confusion

Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

• Blurred or double vision
• Tingling in the arms, legs or face
• Muscle spasms
• Muscular weakness
• Dizziness
• Problems controlling the bladder

Some of the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome are weakness and tingling in the legs, arms and upper body.

You may also need a test for cerebrospinal fluid if you have had a brain or spinal cord injury or have been diagnosed with cancer that has spread to the brain or spinal cord.

What happens during a cerebrospinal fluid test?

A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is obtained by doing a procedure called lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Lumbar puncture is usually done in a hospital. During the procedure:

• You lie on your side or sit on an examination table.
• A doctor or health professional cleans your back and injects an anesthetic into your skin so you do not feel pain during the procedure. You may have an anesthetic cream on your back before the injection.
• Once that part of the back is completely insensitive, you will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in the lower part of the spine. The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine.
• Then, the doctor or health professional will remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. This takes about 5 minutes.
• While removing the liquid, you should stay very still.
• You may be asked to lie on your back for an hour or two after the procedure. This can prevent you from having a headache later.

Will I have to do something to prepare for the test?

You do not need any special preparation for a cerebrospinal fluid test, but you may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels before the test.

Does this test have any risk?

The risks of a lumbar puncture are minimal. You may feel a small pinch or pressure when the needle is inserted. After a lumbar puncture, you may have a headache. Approximately one in ten people have a headache after the test. It can last several hours or even a week or more. If you have a headache that lasts more than several hours, talk to your doctor or health professional. Maybe I can recommend a treatment to relieve pain.

You may feel some pain or tenderness in the part of your back where the needle was inserted. It could also have a little bleeding.

What do the results mean?

The results of your cerebrospinal fluid test may indicate that you have an infection, an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis, or another disease of the brain or spinal cord. The doctor probably asks for more tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Is there anything else I need to know about the cerebrospinal fluid test?

Some infections, such as meningitis caused by bacteria, are life-threatening emergencies. If your doctor suspects that you have bacterial meningitis or another serious infection, you may be given medication before confirming the diagnosis.