How to test for neuroinflammation?

    Identifying what is happening in the brain can be difficult.  Neuroimaging and electroencephalography can provide some insights into neuroinflammation, however specialist referral is required. Assessing for inflammatory biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid can be undertaken in exceptional circumstances. Blood markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein and cytokine panels, and concentrations of blood markers of autoimmunity can suggest neuroinflammation. Blood concentrations of these markers, however, may not translate into reliable measures of the processes occurring in the brain. Gut health can be assessed with stool testing. Microbial testing can provide some insights into general gut function  and inflammation. Reported symptoms of brain fog, low mood, poor memory and concentration, fatigue, headaches, migraines, digestive disturbances, and increased pain sensitivity can indicate potential neuroinflammation. This information can be obtained from a clinical interview and validated self-report questionnaires and symptom diaries.