User:Mr. Ibrahem/Cerebrospinal fluid leak

Cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak, CSFL) is when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which surrounds the brain and spinal cord leaks out of a hole in the dura mater. When due to injury, symptoms often include clear fluid from the nose or ear. The classic symptom of spontaneous cases is a headache that is worse with standing and better with lying down. Other symptoms can include neck stiffness, nausea, ringing in the ear, and sensitivity to light. Complications may include meningitis.

Causes include injury (80%), medical interventions (16%), and spontaneous (4%). Medical interventions that can cause the condition include lumbar puncture and spine surgery. Spontaneous cases are associated with connective tissue disorders. The underlying mechanism may involve low intracranial pressure or insufficient CSF. Leaks may occur around the brain or spinal cord. A CT myelogram or MRI may confirm the diagnosis.

Leaks may heal on their own with bed rest and fluids by mouth. They may also be repaired by an epidural blood patch, an injection of a person's own blood at the site of the leak; fibrin glue injection; or surgery. Outcomes are generally good with about 98% of people getting better.

A CSF leak occurs in about 20% of people following a basilar skull fracture. Spontaneous leaks are less common, affecting about one in 20,000 people a year. Spontaneous cases most commonly occurs in women in their 40s. The condition was first described in 1899 by August Bier. Spontaneous cases were first described in the 1930s.