PBL: Spinal Fluid Flashcards
List the anatomy of the skull starting w/ outer → inner
- Skull
- Dura mater
- Arachnoid
- Subarachnoid space
- Pia mater
- CSF
CSF is produced by the ____ ____ in the 4 ventricles of the brain
Choroid plexus
CSF flows from the two ____ ventricles to the ____ ventricle and enters the ____ ventricle via the ____ ____ ____
Lateral; third;fourth; aqueduct of Sylvius
CSF is absorbed primarily by the ____ ____ through tight junctions of the endothelium
Arachnoid villi
What are the 3 types of CSF specimens an MD can collect?
- Lumbar region (spinal tap)
- Subdural (for abscesses in the brain)
- Ventricular aspiration
Infectious disease characterized by the inflammation of the meninges (dura, arachnoid, pia mater)
Meningitis
A condition characterized by a lymphocyte pleocytosis in the CSF and lack of an identifiable causative agent after routine stains and culture of the CSF
Aspetic meningitis
The most common mycobacterial infection of the CNS caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tuberculosis meningitis
Inflammation of the brain
Encephalitis
Presence of meningococci (N. meningitidis) in the bloodstream
Meningoencephalitis (meningitis + encephalitis)
Meningeal inflammation that persists for more than 4 weeks; common in immunocompromised patients
Chronic meningitis
Inflammation in the meninges that persists for hours to days
Acute meningitis
____ is caused by inflammation and collection of infected material coming from local infectious source (e.g., ear infection and infection of paranasal sinuses)
Brain abscess
Increase in CSF cell count
Pleocytosis
Normal value for WBCs in CSF
ZERO
CSF is obtained by inserting a sterile hollow needle into the spinal subarachnoid space (b/w L3 and L4) in th elower back
Lumbar puncture
Used for treatment of chronic subdural hematomas, usually caused by severe head injuries
- Performed under local anesthesia, followed by partial shaving and disinfection
Subdural tap
Method used to treat conditions such as hydrocephalus which are due to excessie fluid accumulation in the ventricles
- Blood and CSF are drained to reduce intracranial hypertension
Ventricular aspiration
What is the preferred site of entry for a ventricular aspiration?
Right frontal cerebral hemisphere
Why is the right frontal cerebral hemisphere the preferred site of entry for a ventricular aspiration?
Due to its non-dominance for language function for 90% of patients
List the general signs and symptoms of meningitis
- Sudden onset of fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Photophobia (↑ sensitivity to light)
- Altered mental status
- Vomiting
List the more severe symptoms, due to the progression of meningitis
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in newborns
- Fevere, headache, and stiff neck may be absent or difficult to see
- Newborn appears to be slow or inactive
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies
- Bulging fontanelles (soft spot on head) due to ↑ CSF
- Abdominal reflex (restlessness)
- Poor feeding
- Irritability
2 methods to diagnose meningitis
- Kernig sign
- Brudzinski sign
Back pain occurs when physician flexes patient’s hip and knee while extending the leg at the knee
Kernig sign