CSF analysis

Question 1

Recall a therapeutic use of lumbar puncture

Answer 1

Benign intracranial hypertension

Question 2

Recall 3 symptoms of benign intracranial hypertension

Answer 2

Early morning headache
Neck stiffness
Vomiting

Question 3

Compare the appearance of normal CSF, with that of CSF in the presence of bacterial, viral and TB meningitis

Answer 3

Normal: clear and straw-coloured
Bacterial:cloudy (from pus)
Viral: clear
TB: opaque, forms fibrin web if left to stand

Question 4

Compare the WCC of normal CSF, with that of CSF in the presence of bacterial, viral and TB meningitis

Answer 4

Normal: 0-5
Bacterial: neutrophilia
Viral: leukocytosis
TB: lymphocytosis

Question 5

Compare the protein content of normal CSF, with that of CSF in the presence of bacterial, viral and TB meningitis

Answer 5

Normal: 0.15-0.45
Bacterial: >50
Viral: normal
TB: >50

Question 6

Compare the glucose level of normal CSF, with that of CSF in the presence of bacterial, viral and TB meningitis

Answer 6

Normal: >60% of plasma glucose
Bacterial: <40% of plasma glucose
Viral: normal
TB: <40% of plasma glucose

Question 7

What is seen in the CSF if someone has had a subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Answer 7

Xanthochromia (from breakdown of blood)

Question 8

What are oligoclonal bands indicative of in the CSF?

Answer 8

Multiple sclerosis

Question 9

Which viruses are most likely to cause viral meningitis

Answer 9

HSV

CMV

Question 10

Recall the WCC and protein level of CSF taken from someone with Guillain-Barre

Answer 10

WCC normal

Protein high