Fluid Keeps Your Brain From Crushing Itself but What Happens When It Stops Working?

Your brain produces around a pint of cerebrospinal fluid each day.

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Archibald Church, Diseases of the nervous system (1908)/Internet Archive via Flickr

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Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is a clear, colorless liquid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of your central nervous system. It cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides nutrients and removes waste products.

Despite its importance, problems related to CSF often go unnoticed until something goes wrong.

I am a neurologist and headache specialist. In my work treating patients with CSF pressure disorders, I have seen these conditions present in many different ways. Here’s what happens when your cerebrospinal fluid stops working:

What is Cerebrospinal Fluid?

CBF is made of water, proteins, sugar, ions, and neurotransmitters. It is primarily produced by a network of cells called the choroid plexus, which is located in the brain’s ventricles or cavities.

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