Abnormal Csf Glutamate Concentration C5139584
This refers to abnormal glutamate levels in the fluid around the brain and spine. Glutamate is a chemical that helps brain cells communicate. Elevated or low levels may affect brain function. Management focuses on addressing the underlying cause.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G31.82
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Seizures
Sudden uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that may cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, or unusual behaviors.
Any seizure requires immediate medical evaluation; call emergency services if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
Breathing Difficulty
Shortness of breath, shallow breathing, or respiratory distress that may indicate involvement of brainstem respiratory centers.
Any difficulty breathing is a medical emergency; seek immediate care
Headache
(neurologic)Persistent or recurrent headache, often described as dull or pressure-like, related to altered glutamate signaling in the brain.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that is not relieved by rest, often due to altered neural metabolism.
Frequency: 65-75% of patients
Dizziness
(neurologic)Feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or vertigo, which may occur spontaneously or with position changes.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Nausea
(gastrointestinal)Sensation of wanting to vomit, which may be intermittent or persistent, associated with autonomic nervous system effects.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Cognitive Changes
(neurologic)Mild confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues resulting from altered glutamate-mediated neural signaling.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Muscle Twitching
(neurologic)Involuntary muscle twitches or fasciculations, often in the limbs, due to altered neuromuscular excitability.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Numbness
(neurologic)Tingling or reduced sensation in extremities, sometimes described as pins and needles sensation.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Excitotoxin dietary reduction
Limiting intake of foods high in excitotoxic amino acids such as MSG and aspartame to reduce glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity.
Exercise prescription and weight management
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Neuroprotective antioxidant therapy
Administration of antioxidants and mitochondrial support agents to reduce oxidative stress associated with elevated CSF glutamate.
Additional treatment options
Glutamate modulation
Use of glutamate receptor antagonists or modifiers to reduce excitotoxic effects of elevated CSF glutamate.
medicationCSF glutamate serial monitoring
Regular CSF sampling to track glutamate levels and guide treatment intensity adjustments.
monitoringKetogenic diet intervention
Metabolic shift to ketone utilization may provide neuroprotective effects and reduce glutamate excitotoxicity.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Csf Glutamate Concentration C5139584?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Ferrarese C, Aliprandi A, Tremolizzo L, et al. Increased glutamate in CSF and plasma of patients with HIV infection. Neurology. 2001;57(7):1311-1315.
Baker MG, Kale R, Henley JM. The role of glutamate in neurological disorders and the potential for therapeutics. Curr Opin Neurol. 2022;35(3):386-395.
Sjöström M, Tufvesson E, Johnson C, et al. Cerebrospinal fluid glutamate as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a prospective study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2023;94(7):507-514.
Zhang L, Wang Z, Liu Q et al. Cerebrospinal fluid glutamate concentrations in neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Neurodegener. 2021;10(1):21.
European Federation of Neurological Societies. EFNS guidelines on the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(7):1115-1130.
Danysz W, Parsons CG. The NMDA receptor antagonist memantine as a symptomatological and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease: preclinical evidence. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2003;18(Suppl 1):S23-S32.
American Academy of Neurology. Update: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurology. 2021;97(11):e1114-e1128.
Strong MJ, Grace GM, Freedman M, et al. Consensus criteria for the diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degenerations. Neurology. 2009;72(5):436-444.
Shen CH, Tsai RY, Tsai MS, et al. Neuroprotective effects of antioxidants and NMDA receptor antagonists on glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. J Biomed Sci. 2022;29(1):85.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy