An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) generally indicates an issue like infection, inflammation, or bleeding within the central nervous system.
Here’s a breakdown of the main causes:
Causes of Increased WBC in CSF
The presence of a higher-than-normal number of WBCs in the CSF suggests the body is mounting a response to some sort of problem. As indicated by the reference, some primary causes include:
- Infection:
- Bacterial Meningitis: This is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Viral Meningitis or Encephalitis: These conditions are caused by viral infections affecting the brain or its protective layers.
- Abscess: An abscess in the brain or spinal cord can trigger a significant inflammatory response.
- Inflammation:
- Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation in the central nervous system.
- Non-infectious Meningitis: Conditions like sarcoidosis or certain drug reactions can lead to inflammation of the meninges.
- Bleeding:
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the space surrounding the brain can cause a rapid increase in WBCs.
Other Possible Contributing Factors
While less common, these factors can also contribute to elevated WBC counts in CSF:
- Tumors: Cancers in the central nervous system can cause inflammation and an increase in WBCs.
- Trauma: Head or spinal injuries can result in bleeding and inflammation, increasing WBC counts.
- Post-Surgical Changes: After surgeries involving the brain or spinal cord, there might be temporary increases in WBC counts.
Why WBCs Increase in CSF
When an infection or inflammation occurs in the central nervous system, the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to the site of the problem. These cells fight off infection, remove damaged tissue, and begin the healing process. The elevated presence of WBCs in CSF is a reflection of these ongoing immune responses.
Examples
Here are some practical examples to demonstrate the causes mentioned:
- A person experiencing severe headaches, fever, and a stiff neck may have a higher WBC count in their CSF due to bacterial meningitis.
- A patient diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder might have an elevated WBC count in their CSF due to inflammation.
- Following a car accident, if a patient has bleeding into their brain, WBCs will be found in the CSF sample.
Diagnostic Significance
An analysis of CSF by a healthcare professional is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions affecting the central nervous system. It can be an important tool in differentiating between different causes of infection and inflammation.
