SPINAL FLUID PATCH

That’s what would happen to your brain if you had no CSF. If the jar is empty and you give it a good shake, you’ll bruise or damage the grape. The effect is similar to putting a grape inside a jar. The CSF layer also supports and cushions your brain and spinal cord from sudden movements. CSF contains nutrients that your brain can use. Your brain and spinal cord have a surrounding protective layer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If the leak is large enough, it can cause severe symptoms that make it hard or even impossible to go about your life as usual. People have traveled to Duke from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in search of an accurate diagnosis and treatment for CSF leaks.What is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak?Ī cerebrospinal fluid leak is when the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord leaks out from where it’s supposed to be. We receive more than 500 referrals to evaluate spinal CSF leaks every year. Our neuroradiologists collaborate with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and spine surgeons to coordinate the best treatment for your condition. And they are available to answer all of your questions along the way. They make your CSF leak treatment journey easier by guiding you through it step by step. Our nurse coordinator becomes your one-stop shop for coordinating referrals, sharing appointment and procedure instructions, and communicating with your doctors. Nurse Coordinator to Help Navigate Your Care and around the world consult Duke for training on these subjects. Since 2006, Duke neuroradiologists have been national and international leaders in developing techniques to diagnose and treat spinal CSF leaks and in researching spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Our advanced training, experience, and large number of procedures contribute to our excellent results. One of the Few Centers That Treats CSF Leaksĭuke is one of the few centers in the country with the expertise to diagnose and treat CSF leaks that cause chronic headaches and other neurological symptoms. A neurosurgeon can treat the leak by disconnecting the abnormal vein. Sometimes a loss of cerebrospinal fluid occurs due to CSF draining too quickly into the venous system through an abnormal blood vessel connection called a fistula. If the leak is caused by the sharp edge of a bone spur rubbing against the dura, a spine surgeon can repair the leak and remove the spur causing the problem. This procedure is performed after you are given medication to help you relax and to reduce pain. If the precise location isn’t known, one or more patches may be placed. With CT fluoroscopic guidance, the blood and/or glue is injected adjacent to the tear or potential site of the leak.

SPINAL FLUID PATCH

Your own blood or, in some cases, a type of surgical glue is used to create a patch that seals the leak. After your procedure, our team will contact you often to monitor your progress. Depending on the cause of the leak, one of these customized treatments may be recommended. When conservative treatments such as bed rest and hydration don’t relieve symptoms, a procedure is often required to repair a CSF leak. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have not found relief through standard medical treatments, consider evaluation for a spinal CSF leak.ĭuke neuroradiologists specialize in using high-resolution CT, MRI, and fluoroscopic imaging to diagnose and treat CSF leaks and other conditions that affect the brain, spine, head, and neck. New persistent headaches that occur daily, often starting abruptlyīecause these symptoms may indicate a variety of neurological concerns, CSF leaks are often misdiagnosed.Severe headaches, especially when upright.Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure leads to chronic headaches and other debilitating symptoms including: The tear and resulting leak of cerebrospinal fluid can cause you to lose the protective cushion of fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Placement of an epidural catheter for childbirth or pain management.An abnormal connection that forms with a nearby vein.Cerebrospinal fluid can leak out from around the spine due to a hole in the dura, the dense tissue that surrounds the brain and spine.

Spinal fluid