What is the CSF opening pressure test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a CSF opening pressure test?
It is a test that measures the opening pressure in a patient which is determined by the rate of production and drainage of CSF. Thus, it is increased or decreased by disorders that cause changes in the flow, absorption and production of CSF.
Also Read: CSF Protein
What is the normal range for CSF opening pressure?
The normal range is 7-8 cmH2O (in adults).
What if the OP range is high?
Various causes can result in increased opening pressure which is:
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Brain abscess
- Encephalitis
- Meningitis
- Subarachnoid haemorrhage
- Intracranial vasculitis
- Choroid plexus papilloma
- Meningeal carcinomatosis
- Cerebral oedema
- Intracranial mass
- Jugular vein compression
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Venous sinus thrombosis
What if the OP range is low?
Various causes can result in it:
- CSF leak due to trauma, post-LP or post-surgery.
- Abscess or Mass that blocks flow of CSF in the spinal canal
What are the causes of false positive tests?
These include the following:
- The patient pulls the knee up tightly
- Patient strains while performing Valsalva
- Measured in a sitting position
- Obesity
What are the causes of false negative tests?
These include the following:
- Hyperventilation
- Dehydration
- Hypotensive patients
How is the test done?
It is done through the lumbar puncture and connecting a manometer through it after the CSF sample is obtained. The opening pressure is recorded by measuring the highest level attained by CSF in the manometer. The patient is to be in a recumbent position.
Is there any other test required before this?
This test is required to diagnose various conditions like meningitis and other autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. But it can’t diagnose any stroke, skull fracture or brain mass. So, for this to be diagnosed CT scans are done before performing this test in patients with the following symptoms:
- Aged (>60 yrs.)
- Traumatized
- Altered mental status
- Focal neurological deficits
- Seizures
- Papilledema
- Immune compromised
Also Read: Glucose CSF Protein
For more information, you can visit Testing .com and NCBI.
