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Understanding CSF Leaks: Causes and Symptoms
Epidural Blood Patch (EBP)
Understanding CSF Leaks: Causes and Symptoms
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds your brain and spinal cord, protecting and cushioning them. When there’s a tear or hole in the outermost membrane (the dura), CSF can escape — this is called a CSF leak. Left untreated, it can lead to headaches, pr...
Articles
video explanation
Upright Headache - my spinal CSF leak
Symptoms
Symptoms to Watch For
There are several known causes of intracranial hypotension (low volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the head) due to spinal CSF leak. Below, we discuss iatrogenic, traumatic, and spontaneous leaks.
What Causes a Spinal CSF Leak?
Treatment for spinal CSF leak varies from conservative measures to surgical procedures. Some patients have symptoms that resolve spontaneously in a matter of hours, days, or weeks without ever seeking or requiring medical care.
Treatment for spinal CSF leak
Epidural Blood Patch (EBP)
An epidural blood patch (EBP) is a common treatment for spinal CSF leaks. It involves injecting a small amount of your own blood into the epidural space around the spine. The blood forms a clot and acts like a seal + natural glue, helping the dura he...
