cerebrospinal fluid leaks?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Can anyone explain what cerebrospinal fluid leaks are, and what symptoms

might be? The abstract just posted about this issue says one

symptom is " postural headaches " --what are

these? Any ideas why such leaks might be connected to connective tissue

disorders? The abstract makes this connection, but says the cause is

poorly

understood.

Cheers,

Lenore Hietkamp

in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Hi Lenore!

A cerebrospinal fluid leak is an abnormal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid

from the subarachnoid space in the brain. The fluid may leak out into the

body, but more often it is seen leaking through the ears, nose, or an open

wound.

CSF is formed within the inner spaces of the brain called ventricles. The

fluid travels through the ventricles and exits the brain beneath the

cerebellum, which is at the base of the head. It then travels down the

spine, around the spinal cord and nerves, and back up to the head. The final

step is passing over the top of the brain where it is absorbed. The fluid is

held between the arachnoid and dura membranes. These membranes enclose the

brain and spinal cord. Leakage occurs when the arachnoid membrane is

ruptured.

CSF is a clear, watery liquid that leaks out of the nose, ear, or a wound.

Headache is common with a CSF leak. It may be relieved when the person sits

upright from a lying position. However, changing to this position may cause

the flow of fluid to increase (this is what is meant by postural headaches -

headaches that change or appear when you assume a certain position or change

positions). Coughing or sneezing can also cause an increased flow of CSF.

A CSF leak is caused by a rupture of the arachnoid membrane. This usually

results from trauma, although it can occur spontaneously. Tissue destruction

caused by tumors could lead to a CSF leak.

There is no way to prevent a CSF leak except by avoiding trauma. Sports

safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can help avoid head

injury during sports.

Diagnosis is made through observation and by testing any suspicious watery

fluid for glucose, which is present in cerebrospinal fluid. X-ray studies

may be needed to find the exact place where the membrane has ruptured. Other

studies may include CT scans.

Chronic leakage may occur at times. The leak most commonly comes from the

nose. A long-term result may result in the loss of the sense of smell.

Leakage through the nose or ears following trauma usually gets better with

rest. Antibiotics are given if an infection is present. If the leakage

persists, the doctor may place catheters in the lumbar spine to reroute the

CSF. Surgical closure of the ruptured membrane is rarely needed. If leakage

is caused by erosion due to tumor or infection, the underlying cause must be

treated.

Infection of the trauma site and failure of the rupture to close

spontaneously may sometimes occur. In cases of a skull fracture, swelling

may damage a cranial nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis on the side of

the face. These injuries commonly result in hearing loss on the affected

side.

[Guest guest]

Hi Lenore!

A cerebrospinal fluid leak is an abnormal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid

from the subarachnoid space in the brain. The fluid may leak out into the

body, but more often it is seen leaking through the ears, nose, or an open

wound.

CSF is formed within the inner spaces of the brain called ventricles. The

fluid travels through the ventricles and exits the brain beneath the

cerebellum, which is at the base of the head. It then travels down the

spine, around the spinal cord and nerves, and back up to the head. The final

step is passing over the top of the brain where it is absorbed. The fluid is

held between the arachnoid and dura membranes. These membranes enclose the

brain and spinal cord. Leakage occurs when the arachnoid membrane is

ruptured.

CSF is a clear, watery liquid that leaks out of the nose, ear, or a wound.

Headache is common with a CSF leak. It may be relieved when the person sits

upright from a lying position. However, changing to this position may cause

the flow of fluid to increase (this is what is meant by postural headaches -

headaches that change or appear when you assume a certain position or change

positions). Coughing or sneezing can also cause an increased flow of CSF.

A CSF leak is caused by a rupture of the arachnoid membrane. This usually

results from trauma, although it can occur spontaneously. Tissue destruction

caused by tumors could lead to a CSF leak.

There is no way to prevent a CSF leak except by avoiding trauma. Sports

safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can help avoid head

injury during sports.

Diagnosis is made through observation and by testing any suspicious watery

fluid for glucose, which is present in cerebrospinal fluid. X-ray studies

may be needed to find the exact place where the membrane has ruptured. Other

studies may include CT scans.

Chronic leakage may occur at times. The leak most commonly comes from the

nose. A long-term result may result in the loss of the sense of smell.

Leakage through the nose or ears following trauma usually gets better with

rest. Antibiotics are given if an infection is present. If the leakage

persists, the doctor may place catheters in the lumbar spine to reroute the

CSF. Surgical closure of the ruptured membrane is rarely needed. If leakage

is caused by erosion due to tumor or infection, the underlying cause must be

treated.

Infection of the trauma site and failure of the rupture to close

spontaneously may sometimes occur. In cases of a skull fracture, swelling

may damage a cranial nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis on the side of

the face. These injuries commonly result in hearing loss on the affected

side.

[Guest guest]

Hi Lenore!

A cerebrospinal fluid leak is an abnormal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid

from the subarachnoid space in the brain. The fluid may leak out into the

body, but more often it is seen leaking through the ears, nose, or an open

wound.

CSF is formed within the inner spaces of the brain called ventricles. The

fluid travels through the ventricles and exits the brain beneath the

cerebellum, which is at the base of the head. It then travels down the

spine, around the spinal cord and nerves, and back up to the head. The final

step is passing over the top of the brain where it is absorbed. The fluid is

held between the arachnoid and dura membranes. These membranes enclose the

brain and spinal cord. Leakage occurs when the arachnoid membrane is

ruptured.

CSF is a clear, watery liquid that leaks out of the nose, ear, or a wound.

Headache is common with a CSF leak. It may be relieved when the person sits

upright from a lying position. However, changing to this position may cause

the flow of fluid to increase (this is what is meant by postural headaches -

headaches that change or appear when you assume a certain position or change

positions). Coughing or sneezing can also cause an increased flow of CSF.

A CSF leak is caused by a rupture of the arachnoid membrane. This usually

results from trauma, although it can occur spontaneously. Tissue destruction

caused by tumors could lead to a CSF leak.

There is no way to prevent a CSF leak except by avoiding trauma. Sports

safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults can help avoid head

injury during sports.

Diagnosis is made through observation and by testing any suspicious watery

fluid for glucose, which is present in cerebrospinal fluid. X-ray studies

may be needed to find the exact place where the membrane has ruptured. Other

studies may include CT scans.

Chronic leakage may occur at times. The leak most commonly comes from the

nose. A long-term result may result in the loss of the sense of smell.

Leakage through the nose or ears following trauma usually gets better with

rest. Antibiotics are given if an infection is present. If the leakage

persists, the doctor may place catheters in the lumbar spine to reroute the

CSF. Surgical closure of the ruptured membrane is rarely needed. If leakage

is caused by erosion due to tumor or infection, the underlying cause must be

treated.

Infection of the trauma site and failure of the rupture to close

spontaneously may sometimes occur. In cases of a skull fracture, swelling

may damage a cranial nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis on the side of

the face. These injuries commonly result in hearing loss on the affected

side.