CSF opening pressure

Reference interval

• normal CSF opening pressures are 10-20 cm (100-200 mm) of H20

Clinical significance

• viral meningitis: < 250 mm Hg
• bacterial meningitis: 200-500 mm Hg
• values > 600 mm Hg suggest cerebral edema, cerebral abscess, or communicating hydrocephalus

Procedure

• opening CSF pressure may be measured during lumbar puncture with a manometer

More general terms

• pressure

Additional terms

• lumbar spinal puncture (LP, Quincke puncture, spinal tap, rachicentesis, rachiocentesis)