Spinal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the spinal canal is far from a stagnant column of liquid, simply bathing the spinal cord, but is constantly being subjected to waves of energy, produced by both the cardiac and the respiratory cycles. Moreover, the spinal subarachnoid channels are normally in free communication with the intracranial basal cisterns and volume exchanges take place between these two compartments, during normal daily activities. A variety of pathological processes can alter CSF hydrodynamics, leading to the development of several conditions. These include Chiari malformations and syringomyelia, as well as extra-axial collections of CSF. They are best regarded as disorders of CSF circulation, rather than as isolated spinal pathologies.