cerebrospinal fluid
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Written by grafxbydiane
In Hydrocephalus Support Group
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The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning head. As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.
The ventricular system is made up of four ventricles connected by narrow passages.. Normally, CSF flows through the ventricles, exits into cisterns (closed spaces that serve as reservoirs) at the base of the brain, bathes the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord, and then reabsorbs into the bloodstream.
CSF has three important life-sustaining functions: 1) to keep the brain tissue buoyant, acting as a cushion or "shock absorber"; 2) to act as the vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste; and 3) to flow between the cranium and spine and compensate for changes in intracranial blood volume (the amount of blood within the brain).
The balance between production and absorption of CSF is critically important. Because CSF is made continuously, medical conditions that block its normal flow or absorption will result in an over-accumulation of CSF. The resulting pressure of the fluid against brain tissue is what causes hydrocephalus.
Written by maryannerarick1
In Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
"Also called a spinal tap, this test requires that a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from your spinal column with a needle inserted between your vertebrae. The doctor is looking for the presence of oligocional bands (an increase number of certain antibodies), which is an indicator of increased immune activity in the spinal fluid. This test is positive in up to 90% of people with MS, but is not specific to MS - -meaning a positive result could indicate another disease or disorder. Depending on the results from the MRI, neurologic exam and symptom history, it is possible that you may not have to get a lumbar puncture to receive a definitive diagnosis of MS ( I didn't). However, lumbar puncture results can be useful for ruling out other things if there is still a question about diagnosis."
Written by maryannerarick1
In Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
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I have come to understand and learned that when there is a diagnose of multiple scierosis that it takes number of factor's into consideration. You physician, usually a neurologist, will take your medical history. I also understand that he or ahe with look for changes in your strength, reflexes, and response to your touch sounds, and other senses. Also your doctor may order some tests such as a MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, a special way to take highly detailed images of your brain and spinal cord, to find out if you have the lesions tyical of MS.
Usually your health care provider will use several tests to help diagnose multiply scierosis, as there no single test that can provide a positive diagnosis. When diagnosing relapsing-remitting mullyiple scierosis (RRMS), health care providers will look at a combination of things which may include:
1. The number of flare ups or attacks you have over a period of time.
2. The number and types of lesions that can be seen on your MRI.
3. Whether you experience a combination of flare-ups and lesions.
4. Postitive CSF ( cerebrospinal fluid) test results. This test looks for certain levels of immune system proteins and the presence of oligoclonal bands in your cerebrospinal fluid.
5. Results from an "Evoked potential", test. This a type of test checks your nervous system's response for vision, hearing, and general sensory levels.
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