A CSF drainage trial refers to the diagnostic drainage of CSF, for example via lumbar puncture, lumbar drainage, or external ventricular drainage. Depending on the indication and clinical question, 20-40 ml of CSF can be drained at a time. After the CSF has been drained, it is assessed whether the clinical symptoms have improved as expected or not.

CSF drainage trial in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus

This procedure is frequently performed, for example, in patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus to evaluate whether they would benefit from permanent VP shunt implantation.