Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colourless fluid that fills the ventricles and the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. An adult has about 150 mL at any one time, renewed several times a day. It cushions the brain, makes it effectively lighter and helps clear waste.
| Location | Ventricles of the brain, central canal and subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord, including the cisterns |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
|
| Blood Supply | Produced from blood in the choroidal arteries |
Buoys and protects the brain from impact, maintains a stable chemical environment for neurons, and removes metabolic waste.
CSF sampled by lumbar puncture helps diagnose meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage (xanthochromia), multiple sclerosis (oligoclonal bands) and some cancers. Raised CSF pressure occurs in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus. A CSF leak after lumbar puncture or spontaneously causes a headache that is worse when upright.
Infection of the CSF and meninges showing high neutrophils, high protein and low glucose in the fluid, a medical emergency.
Low CSF pressure from a spinal CSF leak causing an orthostatic headache that eases on lying flat.
Raised CSF pressure without a mass, usually in young women with obesity, causing headache and papilloedema that can threaten vision.
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