Session 2 - Group Work

Question 1

? What are the normal consituents of CSF

Answer 1

<5 lymphocytes
0.15 - 0.45g/l - protein
glucose - 2.8 - 4.2 (60-80% normal)
no organisms
Clear and colourless

Question 2

Give meningitis CSF

Answer 2

90 - 1000 polymorphs
>1.5g - protein (exudate)
ve streptococcus)
Cloudy and turbid

Question 3

Viral meninigitis

Answer 3

50 - 1000 mononuclear
1/2 plasma glucose
No organisms
Usually clear

Question 4

Tuberculous meningitis

Answer 4

10 - 1000 mononuclear
1-5g/l protein 
<1/2 plasma glucose
often no organisms seen on smear
Fibrin web

Question 5

What is a communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 5

Problem lies outside of ventricular system - There is communication between the ventricles and subarachnoid space.

Question 6

Give two causes of communicating hydrocephalus

Answer 6

Reduced reabsorption by dural venous sinuses (thickening of meninges due to infection/subarachnoid haemorrhage)
Increased production (Choroid plexus papilloma)

Question 7

What is a non-communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 7

Flow of ventricles to sub arachnoid space impinged

Question 8

Give two causes of non-communicating hydrocephalus

Answer 8

Intraventricular haematoma

Pituitary adenoma