Abnormal CSF Findings

Question 1

How many cells/mm^3 does normal CSF contain? / What does elevated RBCs suggest? / Abnormally high WBCs without elevated RBCs?

Answer 1

2-5 cells per mm^3 / Bleeding into subarachnoid space / Rules out bleeding but suggests some immune or auto-immune problem

Question 2

What does high level of total protein in CSF indicate? / Abnormally high levels of immunoglobulin protein?

Answer 2

Altered capillary permeability, i.e. inflammation or tumor / presence of plasma cells within the brain, suggesting infection or autoimmune disorder

Question 3

Main source of carbon metabolized by neurons for ATP production

Answer 3

Glucose

Question 4

Normally, CSF glucose levels are ~ _________ that of serum

Answer 4

2/3

Question 5

What does low CSF glucose suggest?

Answer 5

Microorganisms are consuming the sugar, i.e. bacterial meningitis

Question 6

List 3 pathologies that produce increased intracranial pressure:

Answer 6

Mass Effects, Edema, Obstruction to CSF

Question 7

List 3 causes of Mass Effect changes:

Answer 7

Bleeding (i.e. epidural hematoma), Tumor, Abscess

Question 8

List the two types of edema:

Answer 8

Vasogenic / Cytotoxic

Question 9

What is Vasogenic Edema? / Cytotoxic Edema?

Answer 9

Disruption of the BBB due to increased fluid in the extracellular space or inflammation / Swelling of neuronal cell bodies (i.e. reaction to ischemia) - BBB intact