Do you know about this important fluid that surrounds the brain? (Cerebrospinal Fluid)

Have you ever heard of 'spinal tap'? Maybe you've heard someone say it in a movie or something. In fact, many people get scared just by hearing this name. But this is a very important test that doctors perform to accurately diagnose some serious illnesses. So, today we will talk about what this ' spinal tap', or medically known as Cerebrospinal Fluid, is and what role it plays in our body.

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Simply put, cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF for short, is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, which runs down your spine.

Think about it, our brain and spinal cord are two of the most sensitive and important organs in our body. They're not just banging and banging around inside our skulls or spinal cords. They're protected and unharmed because they're floating in this special fluid. Just like putting something in a water-filled balloon protects it.

This CSF fluid is produced within our bodies , by a special network of cells deep in the brain called the Choroid Plexus . At any given time, an adult's body contains about 150 milliliters of CSF, which is about two-thirds of an average cup.

What are the main functions of CSF fluid?

• Providing protection: If the head suddenly hits something, this fluid acts like a shock absorber to minimize damage to the brain from the impact.
• Providing nourishment: This fluid helps to deliver nutrients and oxygen to brain cells from the blood.
• Removing waste: Another important function is to remove waste products produced during brain cell activity and return them to the blood.

Why would a doctor test CSF fluid?

In some cases, bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells that enter our body can accumulate in this CSF fluid. Also, in some diseases related to the nervous system, the composition of this fluid changes.

Below are some of the medical conditions that can be identified or important clues can be obtained from this test.

How is this CSF test (Lumbar Puncture) performed?

We call this test a lumbar puncture or spinal tap . Although the name may sound scary, it is done with full awareness and is very safe.

1. Preparation: First, you will be asked to lie on your side on a bed with your knees drawn up to your chest, or to sit with your back bent forward. This position is intended to increase the space between the vertebrae of the spine.

2. Numbness: Then, a small injection ( local anesthetic ) is given to numb the skin in the lower back where the needle will be inserted. So you won't feel much pain.

3. Taking the sample: Next, the doctor will insert a very fine, long needle between your vertebrae and into the space where the CSF fluid is. Importantly, the needle will never enter the spinal cord. Then, about a teaspoon of the fluid will be removed for testing.

4. Aftercare: The entire procedure can take about 45 minutes. After that, you will be asked to rest for a while. You may also be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a day.

Are there any risks?

This is generally a very safe procedure, but there are some minor complications that can occur very rarely .

• Headache after the test (this is common but usually goes away within a few hours or days).
• A slight infection at the site of needle insertion.
• Back pain.
• Damage to a nerve (very rare).

If you have any concerns about something like this, talk to your doctor about it openly before the test.

What is a CSF leak?

Very rarely, CSF fluid can leak out due to a hole or tear in the membrane surrounding the brain. This can happen as a result of a head injury, surgery, or even for no reason at all.

The main symptom is a severe headache that worsens when you stand up and decreases when you lie down. In addition, you may experience ringing in the ears, nausea, vision problems, and sometimes a clear discharge from the nose. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.