What is Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the spine and brain, acting mainly as a protective cushion. A tear in one of the membranes containing the CSF allows the fluid to leak out.
CSF can leak from the nose, ears, or from a head or spinal wound. As the fluid drains, its cushioning power decreases, and the brain begins to rest directly on the skull. The result is headaches that worsen upon sitting or standing.
What causes cerebrospinal fluid leaks?
Causes of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks include:
- Trauma to the head or spine
- Surgery
- Tumors
- Increased pressure in the brain from conditions such as hydrocephalus
Spontaneous CSF leaks are associated with developmental defects of the skull bones that cause the membranes (meninges) to protrude. An opening in the membranes makes the nervous system more susceptible to infection.
When left untreated, 25 to 50 percent of CSF leaks lead to meningitis.
The preferred surgical treatment at UPMC for Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks of the skull base is the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This innovative, minimally invasive technique uses the nose and nasal cavities as natural corridors to access hard-to-reach areas or previously inoperable tumors.
The benefits of EEA include:
- No incisions to heal
- No disfigurement to the patient
- Faster recovery time