Cerebrospinal Fluid & MS Diagnosis

Understanding Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

tools for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.Other tools include:

A medical history evaluation
Neurological examination
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Cerebrospinal Fluid in People With Multiple Sclerosis

In MS, damage to myelin causes certain types of proteins to be released into the spinal fluid. When these proteins are identified in the spinal fluid but not in the blood, MS is one of the possible diagnoses.

Lumbar Puncture

Spinal fluid is obtained through a lumbar puncture — also known as a spinal tap — by your doctor in a clinic. For this procedure, you lay on your side or bend forward while seated. The doctor cleans an area of your lower back and injects a numbing medicine. They then insert a needle and use a syringe to remove a small amount of spinal fluid. They send this fluid for testing." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Its primary function is to cushion the brain within the skull. It serves as a shock absorber for the central nervous system (CNS). CSF also circulates nutrients and chemicals filtered from the blood and removes waste products from the brain.Changes to cells and the presence of atypical cells in the CSF can be evidence of damage, inflammation or other issues in the central nervous system. CSF analysis is one of several tools for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.Other tools include:

A medical history evaluation
Neurological examination
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Cerebrospinal Fluid in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Lumbar Puncture

Ask an MS Expert: Diagnosis Journey

tools for diagnosing multiple sclerosis.Other tools include:

A medical history evaluation
Neurological examination
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Cerebrospinal Fluid in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Lumbar Puncture

A medical history evaluation
Neurological examination
Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

High Protein Levels in Spinal Fluid: A Potential Indicator of Multiple Sclerosis