CSF and Ventricles

Question 1

What is the normal volume of CSF?

Answer 1

150ml, 50% around brain, 50% in spinal cord

Question 2

25 year old woman presents with short Hx of headache, a positive Kernig’s sign and reduced mental state. What features might her CSF show with a LP?

Answer 2

Meningitis:

• increased opening pressure
• Cloudy, turbid
• WBC - lots!! If bacterial, mostly neutrophils, if viral, mostly lymphocytes
• Protein >1g/l
• Glucose - low (usually)

Question 3

What is the relevant anatomy for a lumbar puncture?

Answer 3

With patient is the fetal position: knees up, neck flexed-

level of iliac crest = tip of L4 spinous process