About CSF Analysis
Key Highlights
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Provides a direct window into the health of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).Essential for diagnosing serious infections like meningitis and encephalitis.Helps in identifying autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.Can detect bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) and certain cancers.Guides critical treatment decisions based on precise laboratory findings.
Who is this surgery for?
- Suspected infections: Meningitis (bacterial, viral, fungal) or encephalitis.
- Evaluation for autoimmune or inflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis or neurosarcoidosis.
- Suspected bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage).
- Investigation of neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, or confusion.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of cancers affecting the CNS, like leukemia or lymphoma.
- Assessment for normal pressure hydrocephalus.
How to prepare
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- Discuss any allergies, particularly to local anesthetics or antiseptics.
- You may be asked to empty your bladder and bowels before the procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
- No specific fasting is usually required unless sedation is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache: A common side effect, often relieved with rest and fluids.
- Bleeding or bruising at the puncture site.
- Infection at the site of needle insertion (rare).
- Nerve irritation, leading to temporary tingling or pain in the leg.
- Very rare risk of brainstem herniation if there is severely increased intracranial pressure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Lie flat or recline for 1-2 hours after the procedure to reduce headache risk.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice) for the next 24 hours.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for at least 24 hours.
- Monitor the puncture site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
- Report severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, or leg weakness to your doctor immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering csf analysis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pathology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform csf analysis. MediFyr helps you compare pathologist specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for csf analysis compare across other countries where we have data.
Sneha Reddy, a 28-year-old PhD candidate...
Sneha Reddy, a 28-year-old PhD candidate in neuroscience, began experiencing episodes of blurred vision, numbness in her legs, and overwhelming fatigue. Having studied neurological conditions, she feared Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her neurologist, sharing her concern, ordered a CSF analysis to look for oligoclonal bands, a key diagnostic marker. The procedure was emotionally charged for Sneha; her academic knowledge made her acutely aware of every sensation, the sharp local anesthetic, the peculiar pressure, and the subsequent headache. The pathologist's report confirmed the presence of oligoclonal bands not found in her blood, supporting an MS diagnosis. While daunting, the clear result allowed her to start disease-modifying therapy immediately. Sneha's journey moved from the anxiety of the unknown to a focused determination. The diagnosis, though life-altering, gave her a path forward and a sense of control over her research and her health.
Pathologist Specialists for CSF Analysis
Explore experienced pathologist specialists who regularly perform csf analysis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 27 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 23 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 13 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 10 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 6 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 22 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur