The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an invaluable diagnostic tool in clinical neurology, not only in the evaluation of inflammatory, degenerative, and malignant diseases of the nervous system, but also in the diagnosis of all forms of cerebral and subarachnoidal bleedings. The CSF can be easily obtained by lumbar puncture and a set of basic analyses can be conducted using relatively simple laboratory methods. By combining different CSF parameters, a wide range of diagnostic entities can be identified. However, properly interpreting the test results requires a high level of expertise and cannot be achieved by just reporting on individual analytic values. This book covers essential aspects of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and its use in the diagnosis of common neurological diseases. The first part addresses preclinical aspects such as the history of CSF, as well as the anatomical, physiological, and biological background of this valuable fluid. In addition, CSF collection, its preanalytical and methodological implications, and the increasing number of disease-specific markers in CSF are discussed in detail. Lastly, CSF analyses are put into context with clinical syndromes, demonstrating their diagnostic value in neurological clinical practice. Cerebrospinal Fluid in Clinical Neurology helps readers understand the preanalytical and analytical aspects of CSF diagnostics and offers a valuable reference guide for interpreting CSF results during the clinical work-up for neurological patients.

Cerebrospinal Fluid in Neurologic Disorders, Volume 146 provides a brief overview on the current use of CSF in clinical routine, the physiology of CSF, and its usefulness and potential as a biomarker. The second part addresses the main purpose of the volume, describing CSF from a research perspective in context with the most important diagnostic entities in neurology. The book's authors provide insight into the current understanding of CSF changes in these various conditions and what it tells us about the nature of neurological diseases. Furthermore, methodological aspects are discussed, as are shortcomings that need to be addressed. Finally, the book provides an outlook for potential directions that can be explored to improve the various aspects of CSF research with the ultimate goal of being incorporated in clinical practice. Provides a brief overview on the current use of CSF in clinical routine, the physiology of CSF, and its usefulness and potential as a biomarker Addresses relevant research in context with the most important diagnostic entities in neurology Edited by leading authors in CSF research from around the globe, presenting the broadest, most expert coverage available

Given the evolution of cerebrospinal testing (CSF) testing methods, the near future is certain to see an explosion of new CSF analysis methodologies. Broad-based and extensively illustrated, Cerebrospinal Fluid in Clinical Practice provides in-depth coverage of CSF examination and analysis, CSF physiology and pathophysiology, approach to diagnosis, and future directions in CSF analysis. It examines the alterations of the composition of CSF in relation to diseases and disorders of the nervous system, emphasizing the findings that are useful in clinical practice. This expansive reference is perfect regardless of your level of experience in central nervous system diseases. Provides in-depth coverage of CSF examination and analysis, CSF physiology and pathophysiology, approach to diagnosis, and future directions in CSF analysis. Explores the gamut of all CNS infections for a broad but detailed review of the scope of neurological disease. Contains detailed discussion on the proper use of specific diagnostic screens on CSF, so you may gain knowledge on how new diagnostic methods impact clinical medicine. Incorporates extensive illustrations and tables, with visual emphasis on diagnostic, laboratory, and anatomic data.

This comprehensive and authoritative text covers the anatomical and physiological aspects of cerebrospinal fluid. Also includes material on differential diagnosis, AIDS, neuro-oncology, psychiatric disorders, and the composition and clinical examination of cerebrospinal fluid, including a detailed discussion on the treatment of complications of the lumbar puncture.

Cerebrospinal Fluid in Neurologic Disorders, Volume 146 provides a brief overview on the current use of CSF in clinical routine, the physiology of CSF, and its usefulness and potential as a biomarker. The second part addresses the main purpose of the volume, describing CSF from a research perspective in context with the most important diagnostic entities in neurology. The book's authors provide insight into the current understanding of CSF changes in these various conditions and what it tells us about the nature of neurological diseases. Furthermore, methodological aspects are discussed, as are shortcomings that need to be addressed. Finally, the book provides an outlook for potential directions that can be explored to improve the various aspects of CSF research with the ultimate goal of being incorporated in clinical practice. - Provides a brief overview on the current use of CSF in clinical routine, the physiology of CSF, and its usefulness and potential as a biomarker - Addresses relevant research in context with the most important diagnostic entities in neurology - Edited by leading authors in CSF research from around the globe, presenting the broadest, most expert coverage available

For centuries the great minds of medical science puzzled over the importance of the cerebrospinal fluid. As far back as Hippocrates, it was thought that this "phlegm" that flooded the intracranial contents had pathological significance. However, not until the late 1800s, when Quincke introduced and popularized lumbar puncture, did physicians take an interest in the study of this fluid in relation to clinical illness. Since then a variety of techniques for obtaining cerebrospinal fluid from various sites have developed, and the relationship of cerebrospinal fluid to a variety of disease processes has received considerable study. In this volume, we have attempted to assemble reviews of some of these important developments during the past century. Chapter 1 contains a historical review of key investigations that helped shape our concepts of cerebrospinal fluid from the earliest recorded description by the author of the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus in the seventeenth century B. C. to contemporaries such as Kabat, Glusman, and Knaub, who introduced quantitative determinations of cerebrospinal fluid gamma globulin levels. In Chapter 2 there is a description of our current understanding of the anatomical compartment for the cerebrospinal fluid and the physiology of its formation, circulation, and absorption. Dr. Richard Leech in Chapter 3 contributes a comprehensive description of the disorders associated with excessive quanti ties of cerebrospinal fluid-commonly referred to as hydrocephalus. A variety of techniques for properly collecting and evaluating cerebrospinal fluid are detailed in Chapter 4.

Organized by functional neurologic system, the 3rd edition of this authoritative reference provides the most up-to-date information on neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and clinical neurology as it applies to small animals, horses, and food animals. Accurate diagnosis is emphasized throughout with practical guidelines for performing neurologic examinations, interpreting examination results, and formulating effective treatment plans. In-depth disease descriptions, color images, and video clips reinforce important concepts and assist with diagnosis and treatment. Expert authors bring more than 50 years of experience in veterinary neuroanatomy and clinical neurology to this book - Dr. Alexander DeLahunta and Dr. Eric Glass offer their unique insights from both academic and practitioner perspectives. Disease content is presented in a logical case study format with three distinct parts: Description of the disorder Neuroanatomic diagnosis (including how it was determined, the differential diagnosis, and any available ancillary data) Course of the disease (providing final clinical or necropsy diagnosis and a brief discussion of the syndrome) More than 600 full-color photographs and line drawings, plus approximately 150 high-quality radiographs, visually reinforce key concepts and assist in reaching accurate diagnoses. The book comes with free access to 370 video clips on Cornell University's website that directly correlate to the case studies throughout the book and clearly demonstrate nearly every recognized neurologic disorder. High-quality MR images of the brain are presented alongside correlating stained transverse sections for in-depth study and comparison. Vivid photos of gross and microscopic lesions clearly illustrate the pathology of many of the disorders presented in the book.

Scientists have speculated as to the nature of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - "the third circulation" or "vital spirit" for centuries. Just what is this mysterious bathing solution of the central nervous system? Is it a vehicle of transport for an "animal spirit" directing all our activities, as thought by Galen (Singer, 1956) or but a "modified tap water" (Halliburton, 1917)? With the advent of lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid has become a readily available and important means of studying disease affecting the nervous system. In recent years, many sophisticated tools including com puter guided gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography have made it possible to identify and quantify many constituents of this fluid. The CSF has an enormous, though largely "untapped", potential in aiding diagnosis and evaluating treatment of many neurological, psychiatric and systemic disorders. As the ependyma is only a diffusional barrier between the CSF and extracellular fluid of the brain for many compounds, changes in the concentration of these compounds in the CSF may reflect disease processes in the brain.

This book provides an in-depth review of knowledge of neurobrucellosis, which remains common despite significant improvements in preventive measures, neuroradiological techniques, and treatment methods. The chapters are organized into five sections, the first three of which address cranial and intracranial brucellosis, spinal brucellosis, and brucellosis of the peripheral portions of the nervous system. The fourth section focuses on laboratory studies in neurobrucellosis, and the closing section is devoted to therapy, encompassing both medical approaches and the surgical procedures used to treat the complications associated with brucellosis involving the spine, brain, and peripheral nerves. Despite the impressive efforts to eradicate the disease, brucellosis still poses a great threat in the Mediterranean Basin, where it originated, as well as in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Written and edited by leading international authorities in the field, this comprehensive book will be an ideal up-to-date reference for neurosurgeons, neurologists, and specialists in infectious disease who are seeking either basic or more advanced information on the disease and its diagnosis and treatment.