![]() ![]() It involves this type of fluid escaping through a tear in the dura mater. ![]() While an endoscopic approach presents less risk than traditional open surgery, the two methods have similar success rates.Ī CSF leak is a serious health issue. This involves making an incision in the scalp. If a tear causes CSF to drain from the ears, a neurosurgeon will need to perform open surgery. This is minimally invasive and involves inserting a tube called an endoscope through the nose, then passing tiny surgical tools through the tube to repair the tear. For example, if a tear is in dura mater at the front of the head and causes the fluid to leak through the nose, an otolaryngologist may perform an endoscopic repair. The specific approach depends on the location of the tear. Surgery involves using grafts, and adhesives if necessary, to prevent further CSF leakage. herniated brain tissue that pushes into the ears or nose.blood clotting in the brain or spinal cord.a severe CSF leak that is unlikely to heal on its own.a CSF leak that does not improve with conservative treatment.The rest of the group required additional treatment.Ī doctor may recommend surgery if a person has: In the other group, however, only 44.1% of the participants experienced full recovery after each having received a single patch. In 90.9% of the CSF leaks resulting from medical procedures, a single blood patch successfully treated each leak. In the other group, there was no identified cause. In one group, medical procedures had been responsible for the leaks. The researchers divided the participants into two groups based on the type of CSF leak. In one 2016 study, researchers compared the success rates of epidural blood patches in 133 people with CSF leaks. These blood patches are only used for spinal CSF leaks, not cranial ones.ĭuring the procedure, the surgeon draws 5–25 milliliters of the person’s blood, then injects it into a space just outside of the tear in the dura mater.Įpidural blood patches have high success rates but may not cure all types of CSF leaks. Lumbar drain is sometimes used during surgery to prevent CSF leakage.Īn epidural blood patch is a surgical procedure that involves using a person’s own blood to patch tears in the dura mater. During that time, the person stays in hospital so medical staff can monitor the drain. ![]() ![]() The drain typically stays in for 5 to 10 days. When the catheter is in place, the needle is removed. A needle is inserted into the back, then the lumbar drain catheter is placed through the needle. In this procedure, a tube connected to a drainage bag is inserted in the CSF compartment at the base of the person’s back. taking acetozolamide in cases of intracranial pressureĪ CSF leak that does not respond to conservative treatment may require more invasive approaches, such as those below.Ī lumbar drain slowly removes some CSF fluid, reducing pressure at the site of the leak.taking over-the-counter or prescription pain relief medication.using stool softeners to avoid straining.bed rest with head elevated around 30 degrees.Conservative treatmentsĬonservative treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms. Some leaks respond to conservative treatment, while others require more invasive approaches. Treatment for a CSF leak depends on its severity and the cause. If a doctor suspects a CSF leak, they may order a CT or MRI scan to help confirm the diagnosis and locate the leak. Any sample of discharge that contains CSF can indicate a leak. Checking the glucose levels in nasal discharge can help determine whether it contains CSF. Unlike mucus, which is thick and sticky, CSF is clear and watery.Ĭompared with mucus, CSF also has a high concentration of glucose. The result will form two distinct rings, called a “target” or “double ring” sign.Ī healthcare professional can often identify CSF just by looking at a sample on a handkerchief or piece of gauze. Once in contact with the paper, any CSF will separate from any blood or mucus. The test for CSF fluid involves placing a sample of what the doctor suspects to be CSF discharge on a piece of filter paper. Its presence in the blood can confirm a CSF leak.īeta transferrin test is often performed along with a test of CSF discharge fluid to rule out the chance that beta transferrin is in the blood because of genetic or other factors. Beta transferrin is a protein normally only found in CSF fluid. The beta transferrin test looks for this substance in the blood. The most common and important of these is the beta transferrin test. A doctor can use a number of tests to diagnose a CSF leak. ![]()
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