Contents
Decoding Your Spinal Tap Results: What Do They Mean?
Published: Feb 05, 2024
After a lumbar puncture, your doctor will analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for various factors. This article will help you understand what these test results mean and how they can help diagnose different conditions.
Key Components of CSF Analysis
When examining CSF, doctors look at several factors: cell count, protein levels, glucose levels, and pressure. The presence of certain cells or changes in protein or glucose levels can indicate specific conditions. For example, high white blood cell counts might suggest an infection, while the presence of red blood cells could indicate bleeding in the brain.
Normal vs. Abnormal Results
Normal CSF is clear and colorless. It typically contains fewer than 5 white blood cells per microliter and no red blood cells. Protein levels are usually between 15-45 mg/dL, and glucose is about 2/3 of the blood glucose level. Pressure should be between 70-180 mm H2O. Deviations from these norms can suggest various conditions.
What Abnormal Results Might Indicate
Elevated white blood cells could suggest meningitis or encephalitis. The presence of red blood cells might indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage. High protein levels can be seen in multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome. Low glucose levels might suggest a bacterial or fungal infection. Your doctor will interpret these results in context with your symptoms and other tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some results are immediate, others may take days.
No, it's often used with other tests.
Your doctor will explain and plan next steps.
Yes, which is why context is important.
The Big Picture
CSF analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool, but it's just one piece of the puzzle in diagnosing neurological conditions.
References
- Williams J, Lye DC, Umapathi T. Diagnostic lumbar puncture: minimizing complications. Intern Med J 2008; 38:587.
- Nath S, Koziarz A, Badhiwala JH, et al. Atraumatic versus conventional lumbar puncture needles: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2018; 391:1197.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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