CSF Analysis: Pattern Recognition
Reference Table
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Diagnosis
CSF Profile
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USMLE Reference: CSF Diagnostic Findings
Condition
Opening Pressure
Cell Count
Cell Type
Glucose
Protein
Bacterial meningitis
↑↑
↑↑
Neutrophils
↓
↑↑
Viral meningitis
Normal/↑
↑
Lymphocytes
Normal
Normal/↑
Fungal/TB meningitis
↑
↑
Lymphocytes
↓
↑
Herpes encephalitis
Normal/↑
↑
Lymphocytes & Erythrocytes
Normal
↑
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Normal/↑
Normal
Normal
Normal
↑↑
Key High-Yield Mnemonics:
"The Sugar Eaters":
B
acteria and
B
owels (TB/Fungal) result in
Low Glucose
.
Albuminocytologic Dissociation:
Classic GBS finding (High Protein + Normal Cell Count).
Temporal Necrosis:
HSV-1 causes hemorrhage, leading to
Erythrocytes
in the CSF.
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