Measuring Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure With a Fluid Manometer
Loading...
Date
2017-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
A fluid manometer is the device of choice when measuring Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) pressure. CSF pressure can be an important indicator of certain pathologies of the body. CSF pressure is also relevant because it can be used as a surrogate for intracranial pressure. When measuring CSF pressure, a lumbar puncture is necessary, where a needle is used to gain access into the spinal canal. In theory the pressure reading should be taken after the fluid has stopped rising in the column, and equilibrium pressure is achieved between the spinal canal and the manometer. It has been hypothesized that the amount of time physicians wait to record CSF pressure may not be adequate for certain lumbar puncture needle gauges and types. To test this, a large fluid column was created above a port with a known height. The time to generate a fluid column in the manometer within 0.5 cm of the fluid height was recorded. This test was completed for many needles and a range of fluid column heights. The testing revealed that for certain needles, especially 25 Ga., 27 Ga., and 29 Ga., the time to record an accurate CSF pressure reading is quite long. Waiting more than 30 mins with a lumbar puncture needle inserted is not practical for the physician or patient. The results also showed that the method of measuring CSF pressure with a fluid manometer requires careful adherence to technique and knowledge of needle characteristics. These results are important because many published studies were based on data taken using fluid manometers, which may affect conclusions drawn from previous studies.
Description
4th Place 2017 Undergraduate Research Forum
Keywords
Spinal Needle, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Manometer, CSF Pressure