Analysis of CSF
Questions involving CSF are common, and there are just some facts and lists that you have to 'suck it up' and learn...
Normal values
- normal protein 0.2-0.4 g/l
- red cells 0
- WCC <5/mm3
- glucose >2/3 plasma
CSF in meningitis
- Bacterial: cloudy appearence, high protein, low glucose, polymorphs
- Viral: clear or cloudy appearence, normal protein, normal glucose, lymphocytes
- TB: fibrin webs, high protein, low glucose, lymphocytes
Causes of very high protein in CSF (>2g/l)
Remember as BLOCK TB with FUNGAL GBS
= spinal block, TB meningitis, fungal meningitis and GBS.
Causes of high protein in CSF
Remember as ABCDE... and an N
= abscess, bacterial meningitis, cancer, subDural, viral Encephalitis and neurosyphillis.
Causes of Low glucose in CSF
bacterial/fungal/TB meningitis, 20% mumps meningitis, 20% herpes encephalis and occasionally SAH.
Lymphocytosis in CS
Remember as HB HVLLS (a bit like the front of a ship made of pencil lead...)
= 'half bacteria' (ie partially treated bacterial meningitis), HIV, viral meningitis/encephalitis, lymphoma/leukaemia, Lyme disease, SLE.
Oligoclonal bands in CSF
Remember as MS, NS NS, S S, GBS
MS, neurosarcoid, neurosyphillis, SLE, rarely SAH, GBS.
If you're still up for battle 1.3, click here!
If you're still up for battle 1.3, click here!
