Cerebrospinal fluid protein--an aid in the diagnosis of herniated discs.

418 myelographies, the corresponding clinical findings and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid protein (CFP) have been studied. In cases where clinical examination revealed clear symptoms of lumbar nerve root compression myelography was positive in 70% if CFP was elevated, and in only 35% if the CFP was normal. 70% of the patients in this group were operated upon if the CFP was elevated and in only 39% if the CFP was normal. In neurologically unclear cases the myelography was positive in 45% if the CFP was elevated and in 5% if the CFP was normal. 32% of the patients in this group were operated upon if the CFP was elevated and 8% if the CFP was normal. Four patients with malignancies and four patients with infections all had elevated CFP. It is concluded that early lumbar puncture and analysis of CFP in cases with nerve root symptoms make it possible to diagnose tumour and infectious cases earlier. The analysis can also be of value in determination of cases candidating for myelography and operation.