CSF leak is an escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Alternative Names:
Intracranial hypotension
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The dura is the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and contains the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A tear in the dura may occur without cause, after certain head, brain, or spinal surgeries, or after a head injury.
CSF leak can also be caused by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or by placement of tubes used for epidural anesthesia or pain medications.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually include a headache that is worse with sitting up and improves when you lay down. Leakage of CSF from a tear of the dura in the head can also cause a runny nose.
Signs and tests:
Diagnosis is usually based on the person's history of injury, surgery, or lumbar puncture. An MRI may be done to try to confirm the diagnosis.
Review Date: 9/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
General Neurosurgery, Spine Disorders and Injuries
