Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis tests a sample of your CSF for diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord, which make up your central nervous system. Your central nervous system controls and coordinates everything you do, including your ability to move, breathe, see, think, and more. CSF is a clear, colorless, watery fluid that flows in and around your brain and spinal cord.

CSF acts like a cushion that helps protect them from sudden impact or injury. It also removes waste products from the brain and helps your central nervous system work properly. The CSF normally has substances like water, vitamins, and nutrients in it and is free of cells, proteins, and toxins (a type of poison).

Certain diseases of the brain and spinal cord and other conditions that affect the central nervous system can cause a change in the amount of CSF you have or what substances are in your CSF. A CSF analysis is a group of tests that use a sample of your CSF to help diagnose these types of diseases.

Why this test is done

Your health care provider may order a CSF analysis if you have:

• Symptoms of an infection or bleeding in the brain or spinal cord
• Symptoms of an autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Had a brain injury or an injury to your spinal cord
• Have cancer that may have spread to your central nervous system
• Symptoms that may be from another central nervous system condition, such as headaches

Symptoms of a brain or spinal cord infection include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Seizures
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision
• Changes in behavior
• Confusion

Symptoms of MS often vary and come and go, or they may steadily get worse. They may include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the arms, legs, body, or face
• Painful muscle spasms
• Weak muscles, often in the hands and legs
• Dizziness, balance problems, or clumsy movement when walking
• Bladder control problems
• Fatigue
• Problems thinking or learning new things

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a CSF analysis, but you may be asked to empty your bladder (pee) and bowels (poop) before the test.

Sample type

CSF

Other names for this test

Spinal Fluid Analysis, CSF Analysis