BrainWaves #49 Intro to CSF analysis

MedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021.

Originally released: October 14, 2018

There is nothing mysterious about the chemistry of the cerebrospinal fluid. Cells. Protein. Glucose. But the interplay of these unique components can give you incredible insight into the state of the central nervous system. This week, we revisit a prior episode where Dr. Mike Rubenstein reviews his approach to interpreting CSF results. And then we have an update at the end regarding recent advances in CSF analysis.

Produced by James E Siegler and Michael Rubenstein. Music by Steve Combs. Sound effects by Mike Koenig and Daniel Simion. Voiceover by Patrick Green (German). BrainWaves' podcasts and online content are intended for medical education only and should not be used for clinical decision-making. If you like what you hear, let us know, and rate the show!

REFERENCES

Deisenhammer F, Bartos A, Egg R, et al. Guidelines on routine cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Report from an EFNS task force. Eur J Neurol 2006;13(9):913-22. PMID 16930354

Frederiks JA, Koehler PJ. The first lumbar puncture. J Hist Neurosci 1997;6(2):147-53. PMID 11619518

Messacar K, Schreiner TL, Van Haren K, et al. Acute flaccid myelitis: a clinical review of US cases 2012-2015. Ann Neurol 2016;80(3):326-38. PMID 27422805

Nagel MA, Cohrs RJ, Mahalingam R, et al. The varicella zoster virus vasculopathies: clinical, CSF, imaging, and virologic features. Neurology 2008;70(11):853-60. PMID 18332343

Seehusen DA, Reeves MM, Fomin DA. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Am Fam Physician 2003;68(6):1103-8. PMID 14524396

Shah KH, Edlow JA. Distinguishing traumatic lumbar puncture from true subarachnoid hemorrhage. J Emerg Med 2002;23(1):67-74. PMID 12217474

We believe that the principles expressed or implied in the podcast remain valid, but certain details may be superseded by evolving knowledge since the episode’s original release date.