

A neurosurgeon can treat the leak by disconnecting the abnormal vein.Īnother option is embolization of the fistula. Sometimes a loss of cerebrospinal fluid occurs due to CSF draining too quickly into the venous system through an abnormal blood vessel connection called a fistula. If the leak is caused by the sharp edge of a bone spur rubbing against the dura, a spine surgeon can repair the leak and remove the spur causing the problem. This procedure is performed after you are given medication to help you relax and to reduce pain. If the precise location isn’t known, one or more patches may be placed. With CT fluoroscopic guidance, the blood and/or glue is injected adjacent to the tear or potential site of the leak.
SPONTANEOUS CEREBROSPINAL FLUID LEAK SPECIALIST PATCH
Your own blood or, in some cases, a type of surgical glue is used to create a patch that seals the leak. After your procedure, our team will contact you often to monitor your progress. Depending on the cause of the leak, one of these customized treatments may be recommended. When conservative treatments such as bed rest and hydration don’t relieve symptoms, a procedure is often required to repair a CSF leak. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have not found relief through standard medical treatments, consider evaluation for a spinal CSF leak.ĭuke neuroradiologists specialize in using high-resolution CT, MRI, and fluoroscopic imaging to diagnose and treat CSF leaks and other conditions that affect the brain, spine, head, and neck. New persistent headaches that occur daily, often starting abruptlyīecause these symptoms may indicate a variety of neurological concerns, CSF leaks are often misdiagnosed.Severe headaches, especially when upright.Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure leads to chronic headaches and other debilitating symptoms including: The tear and resulting leak of cerebrospinal fluid can cause you to lose the protective cushion of fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Placement of an epidural catheter for childbirth or pain management.An abnormal connection that forms with a nearby vein.

Cerebrospinal fluid can leak out from around the spine due to a hole in the dura, the dense tissue that surrounds the brain and spine.
