
CerebroSpinal Fluid Fistulas
When the membranes enclosing the brain or spinal cord develop a rip or hole, the clear fluid that envelopes and cushions those organs might escape, causing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Causes
Some CSF leaks happen on their own for no apparent reason, while others are brought on by external forces such a head injury, spinal or brain surgery, epidural, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or a tumour in the skull base.
Those who have high-pressure hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, may also be at a higher risk of having leaks.
Symptoms
- Positional headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck stiffness or discomfort
- Hearing changes (muffled, ringing in the ears)
- Feeling of imbalance
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)
- Aching in the shoulder area
Diagnosis
- CT
- MRI
- Myelography.
- Cisternography.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Treatment
- Conservative treatment
- A lumbar drain
- A blood patch
- Surgery