What happens if spinal fluid leaks after back surgery?
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What happens if spinal fluid leaks after back surgery?
The incidence of durotomy-induced CSF leak varied with different spinal procedures. If handled improperly, it may lead to a number of adverse sequelae, such as CSF fistulas (persistent leak through the incision), meningitis, brain abscess, intracranial hemorrhage, hematoma, and neurological deficits.
How long does CSF leak after surgery?
Postoperatively, patients are placed on bed rest in the hospital, typically for two to three days, to help facilitate the healing process and closely monitor for leak recurrence. The repair site can take four to six weeks to heal completely.
Is it normal to leak spinal fluid after surgery?
A spinal fluid leak can also occur as a result of necessary medical intervention–for example, following a lumbar (lower) spine puncture procedure or a spine surgery that opens the dura. This is called a “postsurgical” CSF leak. A postsurgical CSF leak can increase the risk for infection of the spinal fluid.
How do you stop spinal fluid leak after surgery?
Treatment
- Epidural blood patch. This treatment involves taking a sample of your own blood, then injecting it into the spinal canal.
- Sealant. A special sealant may be used alone or mixed with your blood in the same technique described above to cover the hole and stop the CSF leak.
- Surgery.
- Trans-venous embolization.
How do you know if your spinal fluid is leaking?
The most common symptom of intracranial hypotension from a CSF leak is a postural headache, which means a headache that changes depending on your posture. A postural headache with a CSF leak worsens when you sit up or stand and improves when you lie down.
Will CSF leak go away?
How is a cerebrospinal fluid leak treated? While many CSF leaks heal on their own and require only a period of bed rest, patients with symptoms of the condition should still visit their physician due to the increased risk of meningitis that is associated with cranial CSF leaks.
Can a CSF leak heal itself?
CSF leaks can be cause by an injury, surgery, an epidural, a spinal tap or a tumor. Many CSF leaks heal on their own, but others require surgical repair.
Can a spontaneous CSF leak heal on its own?
Most cases heal by themselves with no lasting symptoms. If the CSF leak keeps coming back, high pressure of the CSF (hydrocephalus) might be the cause and should be treated.
How do you know if your fluid is CSF?
Diagnosing a CSF leak includes an analysis of the nasal fluid for a protein called beta-2 transferrin which is most only found in cerebrospinal fluid. CT and MRI scans may also be require to determine the location and severity of the leakage.
How do you know if spinal fluid is leaking from your nose?
An individual with a CSF leak may also notice clear, watery fluid draining from their nose or ears when they move their head, especially when bending forward. CSF may also drain down the back of the throat. People describe the taste as salty and metallic.
Is CSF leak sticky?
Unlike mucus, which is thick and sticky, CSF is clear and watery.
