Introduction on cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid, also known as liquor cerebrospinalis, is a clear fluid found in the cavity surrounding the brain, the brain ventricles (brain cavities), the subarachnoid space of the brain, the cisterns and the spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal fluid is of great importance for the protection and proper functioning of the brain, the spinal cord, and the brain ventricles.

 

Function of cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebral fluid has several important functions:

• Protection: It acts as a kind of shock absorber around the brain and spinal cord, thus protecting against injury.
• Support: It helps keep the brain afloat, reducing pressure on the brain cells.
• Removal of waste products: Cerebrospinal fluid helps remove waste products and metabolites from the brain.
• Transport of nutrients: It contributes to the transport of nutrients and chemical substances to the brain and spinal cord.

 

Production of cerebrospinal fluid

Cervical fluid is produced in two places:

1. Choroid Plexus: Cerebrospinal fluid is primarily produced in the choroid plexus (in the brain ventricles). 70% of the cerebrospinal fluid is produced there daily.
2. 30% of the cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the thinnest capillaries within the meninges (pia) by the layer of cells lining the inside of the blood vessels (endothelium cells).

 

The amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced equals the amount drained. Therefore, approximately 150 ml of cerebrospinal fluid circulates through the ventricular system at any given moment.

• The ventricles, or brain cavities, produce and distribute cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, as described above.
• The cisterns serve as storage sites for cerebrospinal fluid and play an important role in its flow. Additionally, some cisterns also accommodate blood vessels and nerves. Because the cisterns are interconnected, it is important that they remain open so that the cerebrospinal fluid can flow properly.

Cervical fluid

Cervical fluid is the same as cerebrospinal fluid. It is the cerebrospinal fluid specifically located around the spinal cord. It has the same functions as cerebrospinal fluid, but focuses on the protection and support of the spinal cord.

 

Examination of cervical fluid and cerebrospinal fluid

Doctors can perform a lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes. This is often done to detect conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or certain types of cancer.

 

Possible abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebral and spinal fluid can provide important clues regarding various medical conditions. Analyzing the composition of this fluid can aid in making a diagnosis.

• Infections: Meningitis can be diagnosed based on changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. The doctor then collects cerebrospinal fluid via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and examines it.
• Bleeding: The presence of blood in the cerebrospinal fluid may indicate a brain hemorrhage or brain trauma.
• Increased pressure: Abnormally high pressure may indicate conditions such as cerebral edema or, for example, hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
• Persistently elevated pressure in the spinal canal, such as in cerebrospinal fluid pressure syndrome or Tarlov cysts.
• Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure indicates leakage of the fluid through a tear in the dura mater. This is often the result of trauma, medical procedures, or occurs spontaneously without a clear reason. Symptoms of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSF hypotension) include severe headache, especially when sitting or standing, nausea, dizziness, and sometimes neurological complaints.

 

Flow

Cerebral fluid does not stand still unless there is a disturbance. It flows from the ventricles to the superficially located spaces on the dorsal side of the brain.

 

Reabsorbed by the body

After the journey through the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid is eventually reabsorbed into the venous sinus of the brain.

 

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