CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Plain-language definition
The clear fluid surrounding and cushioning the brain and spinal cord. Changes in CSF pressure or composition can affect the optic nerve and vision.
Where this term comes up
“Intracranial hypotension occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the spinal canal, causing low pressure inside the skull.”
Condition · Intracranial Hypotension
“A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is an implanted drainage system for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).”
Treatment · VP Shunt (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt)
“A lumbar puncture (LP), also called a spinal tap, involves inserting a needle into the lower back to measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and collect a sample for testing.”
Test · Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- papilledema
Swelling of the Optic Nerve from Brain Pressure
- IIH
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
- bilaterally
On Both Sides
- cerebrospinal
Brain & Spinal Fluid
- OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.