The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the serum-like fluid that flows within the brain. It is clear, colorless liquid that circulates around the brain and the spinal cord. CSF protects the brain and the spinal cord by providing a safety cushion against shocks and injuries.

  The CSF is manufactured by the choroid plexus, a string of infolded blood vessels opening into the cerebral ventricles. CSF gets absorbed into the venous system.

  If the rate of production of CSF is more than its absorption, the CSF pressure mounts and results in hydrocephalus, a potentially deadly situation. CSF may also accumulate if the CSF course is blocked somwehere within the system.

  The CSF test is recommended for the diagnosis of a various neurological diseases. It is performed to estimate the number of red and white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. Presence of red blood cells, may suggest a hemorrhage.  CSF is also analyzed for levels of glucose and protein within it, abnormalities in these, may help differentiate the cause of meningitis, bacterial vs, viral, for example.

Procedure called lumbar puncture is carried out to obtain the CSF from the body.

  The CSF cell count helps diagnose and follow up various disorders, such as meningitis and other diseases of the brain or the spinal cord. It also helps diagnose a tumor, or inflammation.

  A rise in white blood cells suggests infection, inflammation or hemorrhage into the cerebrospinal fluid. This may occur due to meningitis, encephalitis, severe infection, tumor, abscess , and bleeding.