Numerous authors have reported on impaired cognition in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension secondary to spinal CSF leaks. The effects on cognition can range from subtle to severe. There are reported cases of severe impairment mimicking dementia. These...
A new case report describes the case of a 55 year old man who presented to the emergency room with a positional headache. He was diagnosed with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) with bilateral subdural fluid collections. Spinal imaging failed to reveal the...
In cases of spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal (CSF) leaks, an underlying weakness of the dura is usually suspected. Heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCT) cause generalized weakness of connective tissues, including but not limited to the spinal dura. Thinner,...
NEUROENDOCRINE COMPLICATIONS from low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and pressure (intracranial hypotension) from spinal CSF leaks have been seen but have not been well studied to date. The brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) is where most hormone function is...
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM effects from low CSF volume and pressure secondary to spinal CSF leaks are seen. Some symptoms may or may not be directly related to the low CSF volume and pressure but are very frequently reported: - cognitive dysfunction (concentration,...
SPINAL MANIFESTATIONS of spinal CSF (cerebrospinal) leaks occur with variable frequency. Common: - pain or tightness between shoulder blades - arm pain or numbness (from traction on cervical nerve roots) Less common: - local back pain at level of CSF leak - pain,...
Intracranial hypotension (low cerebrospinal fluid volume and pressure) from a spinal CSF leak is increasingly recognized as a cause of SUBDURAL FLUID OR BLOOD COLLECTIONS. The subdural space is just under the dural layer of the meninges, the connective tissue that...
Symptoms related to CRANIAL NERVE DYSFUNCTION occur. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that can be affected by the descent of the brain caused by spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Some cranial nerves are affected more commonly than others. Here we list some...
Beyond the headache that we discussed yesterday, additional symptoms occur very frequently in patients with spinal CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leaking that are associated with IRRITATION OF THE MENINGES (connective tissue layers that hold CSF around the brain and spinal...
Each day this week, we’ll discuss some of the neurological symptoms and complications related to spinal CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leaking. Be sure to check back with us every day. Today we discuss the most common symptom: HEADACHE. The loss of CSF volume results in a...
by Connie Deline, MD This new prospective study deserves a spotlight here. Lumbar puncture is the most common cause of a spinal CSF leak and is known as a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Because smaller needles and non-cutting needles have been shown repeatedly...
Remember to let the world know on February 28th that spontaneous Spinal CSF Leaking is a rare disease and those who are impacted desperately need: • Increased funding for research • More timely and accurate diagnosis • Improved quality of patient care • Better...