The central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord, contains a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Some diseases can only be detected in this fluid. The method for detecting these diseases is called cerebrospinal fluid diagnosis.
What is cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics?
In the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord, there is a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Some diseases can only be detected in this fluid. In CSF diagnostics, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is examined in the laboratory. The cerebrospinal fluid is formed in the brain and has the function of protecting the brain and spinal cord from shocks. They serve as a kind of cushion for these particularly sensitive regions of the body. For CSF diagnostics, the spinal canal is punctured. This involves inserting a needle into the spinal cord at the spine to access the cerebrospinal fluid. This procedure is called a lumbar puncture. Some diseases, such as inflammation or chemical changes in the brain or spinal cord, cannot be detected in the blood. This is due to the so-called blood-brain barrier. This is a complex filter system: only a few substances can pass from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid and vice versa. The blood-brain barrier thus separates the central nervous system from the bloodstream. The purpose of this is to prevent, for example, toxins or other harmful substances from entering the central nervous system through the blood. In addition, this barrier ensures the chemical balance in the brain. Therefore, CSF diagnostics are necessary for diseases that are confined to the central nervous system.
Function, effect, and goals
Thus, CSF diagnostics detects diseases located in the central nervous system that are not detectable in the blood. The examination is used when there is a suspicion or symptoms of various diseases. The best known among them is meningitis. In this disease, the membranes of the brain or spinal cord are inflamed. If meningitis is not detected in time, it can have very serious consequences, including death. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can also be detected by CSF diagnostics. For brain tumors, tumors on the spinal cord, multiple sclerosis or bleeding in the area of the central nervous system, CSF diagnostics is an indispensable diagnostic tool. After the lumbar puncture, the cerebrospinal fluid is first examined for its composition. In fact, some diseases and problems can already be detected based on the appearance of the CSF. Usually, the fluid is colorless and clear. Certain turbidities or discolorations indicate certain diseases or irregularities. However, the final CSF diagnosis takes place in the laboratory. There, the cell counts or pathogens such as viruses or bacteria can be determined very precisely, so that the clinical picture can be clearly identified. Diseases of the central nervous system are often accompanied by changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Suspicion of a particular CNS disease can be confirmed or dismissed by CSF diagnostics.
Risks, side effects, and hazards
As a diagnostic tool, CSF diagnosis is very important to detect diseases in the central nervous system. However, this tool also carries some risks. Under no circumstances should CSF diagnosis be performed in patients with elevated intracranial pressure. The elevated intracranial pressure should be ruled out beforehand by an appropriate examination (a CT scan), because there is a risk that the CSF collection in the spinal cord will cause the brain to sag slightly due to the elevated pressure and parts will become trapped. As a result, there is an acute danger to life; for example, respiratory arrest may occur because the respiratory center is located in an area potentially at risk of entrapment. Thus, intracranial pressure measurement is essential prior to CSF diagnosis. Some patients complain of nausea and headache after the examination, especially in the forehead area. These symptoms are usually not a cause for concern, as they disappear on their own after a few hours. Patients are advised to consume sufficient fluids before and after CSF diagnostics, as this can alleviate symptoms. In addition, 24 hours of bed rest is recommended after the examination to allow the body to regenerate without stress.As with any prick into human tissue, there is a risk of infection and bleeding during CSF diagnostics. However, this risk is very low.
