Useful For

Examination of CSF total protein and specific proteins is used chiefly to detect increased permeability of the blood/brain barrier to plasma proteins or to detect the increased intrathecal secretion of immunoglobulins. Useful as a nonspecific but reliable indication of CNS pathology such as meningitis, brain abscess, meningovascular syphilis, CVA, neoplastic diseases, and certain degenerative processes causing neurologic disease. Notes: 1Decreased CSF Protein is found in decreased dialysis from plasma, leakage of CSF or increased protein removal. 2Increased levels may be caused by lysis of contaminant blood from a traumatic tap, increased permeability of the epithelial membrane, increased production of CNS tissue, obstruction, or a decrease in the rate of removal.