Can epidural cause spinal fluid leak?

CSF leaks can happen after an epidural or a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), with the fluid draining into the subcutaneous tissue and, in turn, not visible to the patient. CSF leaks can also occur spontaneously for unknown reasons, or because of trauma to the spine.

How common is a spinal leak after epidural?

How likely is it? The risk of getting a post dural puncture headache after an epidural or spinal injection is between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 procedures. What causes the headache? Your brain and spinal cord are contained in a bag of fluid.

What happens if you are leaking spinal fluid?

Spinal CSF leaks Cause pain in the back of the head. Improve when lying down. Worsen when standing up. May start or worsen with exertion (such as coughing or straining)

Is a CSF leak serious?

Untreated CSF leaks can lead to life-threatening meningitis, brain infections, or stroke. UT Southwestern specialists offer rapid, accurate diagnosis of this dangerous condition, world-class surgical services to correct it, and pre- and post-surgical care that optimizes each patient’s treatment and recovery.

How do you know if your spinal fluid is leaking?

The most common symptoms of a spinal CSF leak are:

1. Positional headaches, which feel worse when sitting upright and better when lying down; caused by intracranial hypotension.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Neck pain or stiffness.
4. Change in hearing (muffled, ringing in the ears)
5. Sense of imbalance.
6. Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

How do you fix a spinal fluid leak?

After conservative treatments have been tried, an epidural blood patch is the most common treatment for spinal CSF leaks. In this procedure, your own blood is injected into the spinal canal. The blood clot that forms creates a seal to stop the leak.

How do you fix a leaky spinal fluid?

The CSF leak is repaired using your own tissue from the nose or with a biomaterial graft. Length of stay in the hospital depends on the size of the leak — most patients are in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Some patients may require a lumbar drain that is removed before going home.

Does spinal fluid go to the brain?

The CSF occupies the subarachnoid space (between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater) and the ventricular system around and inside the brain and spinal cord. It fills the ventricles of the brain, cisterns, and sulci, as well as the central canal of the spinal cord.

How do you treat a spinal fluid leak?

Treatments for spinal CSF leaks may include:

1. Epidural blood patch. This treatment involves taking a sample of your own blood, then injecting it into the spinal canal.
2. Sealant.
3. Surgery.
4. Trans-venous embolization.