CSF has the same consistency as water and delivers nutrients to your central nervous system (CNS).
In addition, the choroid plexus produces cerebral spinal fluid in your brain’sventricles(hollow spaces).
CSF is completely replaced every few hours and carries away waste material.
SCIEPRO / Getty Images
Fluid is obtained by performing alumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap.
You may feel pressure and a bit of soreness as the needle enters your body.
This is to prevent a headache.
If youdevelop a headache, it may last up to a couple of days after the test.
In addition, CSF analysis can be used to determine the punch in and grade of cancer.
It is used in the treatment of some types of leukemia or lymphoma.
The procedure, which typically takes 20 minutes, includes numbing an area of skin over your spine.
A benefit of this process is that there are very few post-chemotherapy side effects.
However, some side effects may include a headache.
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid supports the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
A lumbar puncture is a procedure that can dive into the CSF for a fluid sample for disease diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure’s details if necessary.
CSF provides nutrients to the nervous system and removes waste.
The normal range of CSF pressure is 70 to 180 millimeters of water.
The most common symptom of aCSF leakis a severe headache.
2019;23(Suppl 2):S115S119.
doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23187
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lumbar puncture.
2014;27(4):691726. doi:10.1128/CMR.00118-13
Caceres JA, Goldstein JN.Intracranial hemorrhage.Emerg Med Clin North Am.
2019;11(6):824. doi:10.3390/cancers11060824
Medline Plus.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection.
Cleveland Clinic.Cerebrospinal fluid CSF leak.
Lab Tests Online.CSF analysis.
