Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: An Underdiagnosed Brain Injury

What is a Cerebrospinal Fluid?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CSF supplies nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and also provides cushioning for the brain inside the skull. Thin layers of tissue make up what is called “dura mater.” If there is a tear in the tissue, CSF can discharge through the tissues and then leak from the nose or ears into other parts of the body. CSF in the spine can leak into muscles and connective tissues surrounding the spinal column. A cerebrospinal fluid leak can cause headaches, meningitis, and seizures. Since CSF is often misdiagnosed as a headache or sinusitis, it’s critical to understand the causes and warning signs to get treatment as soon as possible.

The Causes

CSF leaks can be caused by trauma or atraumatic reasons. Head injuries are the most common cause of CSF leaks. When a fracture from a blow to the head causes a tear to the brain’s lining, CSF leakage can occur. CSF leaks can also be the result of surgical trauma at the skull base, such as during tumor removal. Atraumatic leaks, also known as spontaneous leaks, may occur in patients who have elevated intracranial pressure. High pressure around the brain can cause CSF to leak through compromised bone areas connected with the ear and nasal cavity. Other causes of CSF leaks may include:

• Infections
• Epidural injections
• Anesthetic injections
• Lumbar puncture
• Brain tumors
• Skull structure abnormalities that have been present from birth

The Warning Signs

The most common symptom of a CSF leak is an upright headache. An upright headache is one that gets worse when you stand up, but the pain may subside once you lie down. A CSF leak may also present watery fluid that drains from the nose or ears when moving the head and is most prevalent when bending forward. CSF may also drain down the back of the throat and have a salty and metallic taste. Other symptoms of a CSF leak may include:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Hearing loss
• Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, visual field changes)

Diagnostic Tests

There are many diagnostic tests that doctors may use to find a CSF leak.

• Analysis of nasal fluid – The purpose of analyzing the nasal fluid is to detect a protein called beta-2 transferrin which is typically only found in cerebrospinal fluid.
• Pledget study – Small cotton pads called “pledgets are placed into the patient’s nose. While this cannot determine where the CSF leak is coming from, it can detect the presence of a CSF leak.
• CT stereogram – This test involves using a contrast (a substance with a different opacity from soft tissue that can be identified on radiography) injected into the spinal fluid through a spinal tap and then performing a CT scan. This test can pinpoint the exact location of the CSF leak and the drainage pathway into the nose.

MRI scans may also be used to find the location of the CSF leak and its severity.

Treatments

Once CSF has been diagnosed, your doctor will determine how severe your case is and the causes. While some leaks can be resolved through conservative treatments, others may need more invasive procedures. Here are some treatments that may be recommended:

Symptom Management

More conservative treatments may be required to manage symptoms such as:

• Bed rest
• Maintaining hydration
• Pain relief medications (over-the-counter or prescriptions may be required)
• Intravenous caffeine infusions (to lower pressure headaches)

Invasive Procedures

When conservative treatments do not resolve CSF leaks, more invasive treatments may be required, such as:

Epidurals

Applying epidural blood patches is a surgical procedure that uses the person’s blood to repair tears in the dura mater. The method involves injecting 5 to 25 milliliters of the person’s blood into space immediately outside of the dura mater’s tear. While epidural blood patches have high success rates, they may not cure every type of CSF leak.

Suturing And Stitching

Suturing or stitching of the tear may be necessary to prevent further CSF leakage. A doctor may recommend suturing or stitching surgeries for the following reasons:

• The CSF leak does not improve with non-invasive treatments
• The CSF leak is too severe to heal on its own
• Blood clotting in the brain or spinal cord
• Herniated brain tissue that is pushing into the ears or nose
• Meningitis

Endoscopic repair may also be an option depending on the location of the tear. For example, an endoscopy may be used if the tear is in the dura mater located at the front of the head and fluid leaks through the nose.

Endoscopy is minimally invasive and is done by inserting a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) through the nose and passing tiny surgical instruments through the tube to make the repair. Open surgery may be necessary should the cerebrospinal fluid be draining from the ears.

Recovery Time

Recovery from a CSF leak highly depends on the severity of the leak and the type of treatment. Someone who undergoes conservative treatment could be expected to have recovered after three days; however, doctors may recommend keeping the head elevated to continue drainage.

Complications of a CSF Leak

When left untreated or if recovery isn’t successful, the following complications can occur:

• Brain herniation (dislocation of brain tissue within the skull)
• Stroke
• Coma

After your surgical procedure, drainage progress should be monitored as if the fluid drains too quickly, and it can cause gas pockets to form inside the skull, which can develop a blockage to the passage of blood. Medical professionals should also check and monitor you for signs of the following:

• Abscesses
• Infections
• Meningitis

A cerebrospinal fluid leak is a severe health issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. Since CSF leak symptoms can be easily diagnosed as a headache or sinusitis, it’s critical to pay attention to other signs that you are experiencing. Listening to your body and communicating to your doctor how you are feeling can prompt testing and treatments sooner than later. Early diagnosis of CSF leaks can help to avoid complications. If your symptoms do not improve within ten days following conservative treatments, or if they return, you may need invasive intervention.

Doctors who specialize in neurological conditions can discuss the best treatment options suitable for CSF leak types.

Suffered a Brain Injury? We Are Here For You.

Suffering a brain injury is devastating enough. However, when a diagnosis goes undetected, it can make the experience that much more daunting. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and pursue compensation.

Our legal team has the experience and resources needed to take on the challenges of brain injury cases. The Beasley Firm, LLC has secured several record-breaking settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are here to lend you support during a difficult time.