What happens if the cerebrospinal fluid fails to do its job?

However, problems with this fluid often go unnoticed, until something goes wrong.

In this regard, neurologist Danielle Wilhour from the University of Colorado spoke about what happens when the cerebrospinal fluid stops working well.

What is cerebrospinal fluid?

The fluid is made up of water, proteins, sugars, ions, and neurotransmitters, and is produced by a network of cells called the choroid plexus, which is located in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain.

The choroid plexus produces about 500 ml of cerebrospinal fluid daily, but only about 150 ml is present within the central nervous system due to constant absorption and renewal in the brain.

When the production or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted, it can lead to major health problems. Two notable conditions are cerebrospinal fluid leakage and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

cerebrospinal fluid leak

The problem occurs when fluid leaks through a tear or hole in the dura mater, the tough outer layer of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This can happen as a result of head injuries or during surgery.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can also occur spontaneously without any identifiable cause. It tends to occur more frequently in middle-aged adults and is more common in women than in men.

Wilhor revealed that most people with a CSF leak have a localized headache that improves when lying down and gets worse when standing. The pain is usually centered in the back of the head, and may involve the neck and between the shoulder blades.

Patients may also experience tinnitus, visual disturbances, memory problems, brain fog, dizziness, and nausea.

Visual features of CSF leakage on examination include sagging of the brain at the base of the skull and fluid collection outside the dura.

Treatment includes rest, lying down, and increasing fluid intake to give the spine time to heal the hole. Increasing caffeine intake can also help increase cerebrospinal fluid production by stimulating the choroid plexus.

idiopathic intracranial hypertension

It is known as a disorder that involves an increase in cerebrospinal fluid, which raises the pressure inside the skull and puts pressure on the brain.

Most patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension have a history of obesity or recent weight gain, Wilhor said.

Other risk factors include: taking certain medications such as excessive vitamin A, tretinoin, and steroids.

Patients may experience headaches, vision changes, tinnitus, or eye pain.

Treatment options include weight loss, diet changes, and medications to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Surgical procedures can also reduce pressure inside the skull.

Source: Science Alert