CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID ANALYSIS

CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID TEST PROCEDURE

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord. it is a group of cells, called choroid plexus. Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a cushion or buffer for the brain, providing basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull.  Cerebrospinal fluid also serves a vital function in cerebral autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and delivers nutrients to your central nervous system.

cerebrospinal fluid 

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a way of looking for conditions that affect your brain and spine. It’s a series of laboratory tests performed on a sample of CSF. A doctor will collect a sample of fluid from a person's lower back during a procedure called a lumbar puncture, which is also known as a spinal tap.  
  

WHAT CAN CSF DIAGNOSE 

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.

multiple sclerosis 

SYMPTOMS 

Multiple sclerosis causes many different symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination. The symptoms, severity, and duration can vary from person to person. Some people may be symptom-free for most of their lives, while others can have severe, chronic symptoms that never go away. Physiotherapy and medication that suppress the immune system can help with symptoms, and slow disease progression.

MYELITIS -  Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord which can disrupt the normal responses of the brain to the rest of the body, and from the rest of the body to the brain. Inflammation in the spinal cord can cause the myelin and axon to be damaged resulting in symptoms such as paralysis and sensory loss.

Myelitis

SYMPTOMS

Myelitis causes are symptoms, pain in your lower back. Sharp pain in legs arms and around your chest and belly area. Weakness in your legs or arms, muscle spasms. Fever also symptoms of myelitis. Loss of appetite, Bladder and bowel control issues. Sensitivity to touch to the point where slight fingertip pressure causes pain and Numbness in your toes, feet, or legs.

MENINGITIS - Meningitis is a rare infection that affects the delicate membranes. The meninges are the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Meningitis and Septicaemia can kill in hours, so it's very important you know the symptoms and can spot them early.

Meningitis 

SYMPTOMS

The Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 include Sudden high fever, Stiff neck, Severe headache that seems different than normal, Headache with nausea or vomiting, Confusion or difficulty concentrating, Seizures, Sleeping or difficulty waking up, Sensitivity to light,  No appetite or thirst and, Skin rash.

LEUKEMIA - Leukaemia is cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and it is caused by an overproduction of damaged white blood cells. Many types exist such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Many patients with slow-growing types of leukemia don't have symptoms. Rapidly growing types of leukemia may cause symptoms.

Leukemia

SYMPTOMS 

The symptoms of leukemia include night sweats, fatigue, and weakness that don't go away with rest.  unintentional weigh. include fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, and easy bleeding or bruising, bone pain and, tenderness,  painless, swollen lymph nodes, enlargement of the liver or spleen, red spots on the skin, called petechial, bleeding easily and bruising easily, fever, chill and frequent infection.

STROKE -  A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA) that doesn't cause permanent damage.

Stroke

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding, as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. Early treatment with medication like tPA (clot buster) can minimize brain damage. Other treatments focus on limiting complications and preventing additional strokes.

DEMENTIA- Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Dementia is not a specific disease. In general term loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by physical changes in the brain.

Dementia

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Difficulty communicating or finding words and Confusion and disorientation. Medication and therapies may help manage symptoms. Some causes are reversible.