What are the characteristic CSF findings in inflammatory and malignant conditions?

Normal

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Metastases

Opening Pressure (cm/H₂O)

5-20

Normal

Appearance

Clear, colourless

Normal

RBC
(per mm³)

Normal

WCC
(per mm³)

Normal / Mildly Elevated (<10)

Normal / Mildly Elevated

Normal / Elevated

Cell Differential

Usually lymphocytes and monocytes

Normal
(Lymphocytic pleocytosis if associated with HIV)

Mononuclear

Malignant cells, mononuclear cells

Protein
(g/L)

0.2-0.4

Elevated
(May be normal in first week)

Normal

Elevated

Oligoclonal Bands

Absent

10-20%

95%
(highly diagnostic)

<5%

Glucose-Serum Ratio

0.5-0.66
(2.5-3.5 mmol/L)

Normal

Normal / Reduced

Lactate
(mmol/L)

<2.8–3.5

Normal

Unclear