The Effect of Total-Brain Irradiation on Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure

Abstract

Brain irradiation was thought to cause cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] hypertension. Twenty mongrel dogs were prepared with subarachnoid catheters and irradiated with single doses of 1000, 2000, or 4000 R. CSF pressures were measured daily for 14 days after irradiation. No statistically significant pressure increases occurred in any of the groups. Apparently the normal mechanisms for maintaining CSF pressures are adequate in these animals to compensate for any radiation-induced changes in CSF secretion, resorption, or intracranial volume.