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.