How do I know if my lumbar puncture is leaking?
The most common symptoms of a spinal CSF leak are:
- Positional headaches, which feel worse when sitting upright and better when lying down; caused by intracranial hypotension.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Change in hearing (muffled, ringing in the ears)
- Sense of imbalance.
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Can a lumbar puncture cause a CSF leak?
A CSF leak results from a hole or tear in the dura, the outermost layer of the meninges. Causes of the hole or tear can include head injury and brain or sinus surgery. CSF leaks may also occur after lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia. Spontaneous CSF leaks can also occur for no known reason.
How do you test for a CSF leak?
CT myelography. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and locating CSF leaks. It uses a CT scan and a contrast dye to locate CSF leaks anywhere in the skull base. It provides the most precise location of a CSF leak and helps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What does CSF leak feel like?
Symptoms of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can include: Headache, which feels worse when sitting up or standing and better when laying down; may come on gradually or suddenly. Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, visual field changes) Hearing changes/ringing in ears.
What does a CSF leak feel like?
What are the symptoms of a cerebrospinal fluid leak?
Symptoms of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can include: Headache, which feels worse when sitting up or standing and better when laying down; may come on gradually or suddenly Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, visual field changes) Hearing changes/ringing in ears
What to do if CSF leak from lumbar puncture?
When a post-dural puncture headache (CSF leak) occurs and does not resolve spontaneously, an epidural blood patch (EBP) is usually performed. This involves the injection of the patient’s blood outside the dura in the epidural space. Occasionally, this must be repeated and more rarely an open surgical repair is necessary.
Can a CSF leak occur after a Spinal Tap?
A CSF leak can occur after some medical procedures such as a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), epidural injections or spinal surgery. Sometimes, however, CSF leaks occur spontaneously, making the diagnosis a bit more challenging.
Can a CSF leak cause headaches after surgery?
If the volume of CSF becomes low, the brain will sag in the skull causing headaches that worsen when in an upright position and improve when laying flat. A CSF leak can occur after some medical procedures such as a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), epidural injections or spinal surgery.