Medical Health Encyclopedia

CSF collection

Ventricular puncture is even more rare, but may be recommended in people with possible  brain herniation. This test is usually done in the operating room. A hole is drilled in the skull, and a needle is inserted directly into one of brain's ventricles.

How to prepare for the test:

The patient (or guardian) must sign a consent for. The patient must remain in the hospital for at least several hours after the test for observation.

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How the test will feel:

The position may be uncomfortable, but it is imperative that the patient stays in the bended position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord.

The anesthetic will sting or burn when first injected. There will be a hard pressure sensation when the needle is inserted, and there is usually some brief pain when the needle goes through the tissue surrounding the spinal cord (meninges). This pain should stop in a few seconds.

Overall, discomfort is minimal to moderate. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, but it may take longer. The actual pressure measurements and fluid collection only take a few minutes.

Why the test is performed:

This test is done to measure pressures within the cerebrospinal fluid and to collect  a sample of the fluid for further testing. CSF can be used to diagnose certain neurologic disorders, particularly infections (such as menigitis) and brain or spinal cord damage.

See also:

• CSF coccidioides complement fixation
• CSF oligoclonal banding 
• CSF smear
• CSF VDRL test

References:

Nathan, BR. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Intracranial Pressure. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:WB Saunders Company; 2003:511-524.

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