Eosinophils are normally uncommon in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They may be present if certain conditions are present.
The definition of eosinophilia varies (may range from >= 1% to >= 5%).
Causes of eosinophils in the CSF:
(1) parasites (cysticercosis, other)
(2) ventricular shunt for hydrocephalus
(3) other CNS foreign body
(4) CNS infection with Propionibacterium acnes
(5) blood contamination (with eosinophilia in the blood)
(6) CNS tumor
(7) stroke
(8) aseptic meningitis or other inflammatory disorder of the CNS
