Cerebral fluid, also known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), flows throughout the central nervous system and offers benefits such as nutrient circulation and shock absorption. CSF can cause symptoms if there is a leak or buildup, such as in hydrocephalus or meningitis. Encephalitis can also occur, often due to the herpes simplex virus.
Also known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cerebral fluid is a body fluid that flows normally throughout the central nervous system. In particular, it can be found between the skull and the brain. It offers some important benefits to the nervous system due to its location, including nutrient circulation and shock absorption.
CSF helps carry nutrients from food through central nervous system structures, just like blood. It also filters out waste, like the kidneys, except it cleans out the spinal cord and brain instead of blood. This allows the nervous system to be completely detoxified.
The other major benefit that cerebral fluid provides is shock absorption. Specifically, it protects the spinal cord and brain from harmful trauma that occurs from blows, falls, sudden movements, and more. Of course, the CSF has its limitations; if the trauma is too severe, the spinal cord and brain will be affected. This can cause a CSF leak.
Patients experiencing a spontaneous CSF leak will experience a sudden, sharp headache that is orthostatic – worse on standing, better on lying down. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, double vision, facial weakness or numbness, dizziness, and severe lightheadedness, along with a metallic taste in the mouth. Sometimes, the CSF leak can be seen through the secretions from the ear and nose.
A number of disorders can occur in which brain fluid builds up without draining. Hydrocephalus, also known as “water on the brain,” occurs when too much cerebrospinal fluid leaks into the cavities, or ventricles, of the brain. This leads to pressure within the brain, enlarging the head and causing seizures and disability. It has also been known to cause death. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting and seizures.
Meningitis is a disease that inflames the membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain and occurs when the brain fluid in that part of the body becomes infected with bacteria. The disease is so close to the brain that having meningitis qualifies as a medical emergency. The most common associated symptoms include neck stiffness and headache, but confusion, fever, photophobia and phonophobia may also be present.
Directly related to meningitis is encephalitis and it is possible to have the two diseases together, a condition known as meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis also inflames the brain, often due to the herpes simplex virus. This condition is diagnosed by examining the patient’s brain fluid. Symptoms include headache, confusion, fever, drowsiness and fatigue.
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