Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (pronunciation: ser-uh-broh-SPY-nuhl flooid LEE-kij) is a medical condition where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks out of the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "cerebrospinal" is derived from the Latin cerebrum for "brain" and spina for "spine", referring to the brain and spinal cord which the fluid surrounds and protects. "Leakage" comes from the Old English leccan, meaning "to drip, to leak".
Definition
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurs when there is a tear or hole in the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord, allowing the cerebrospinal fluid to leak out. This can result in a decrease in the amount of fluid surrounding these organs, potentially leading to complications such as headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, meningitis or other infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebrospinal fluid leakage can include:
- Headaches that worsen when sitting or standing and improve when lying down
- Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Balance problems
Causes
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma or injury to the head or spine
- Surgical procedures involving the brain or spine
- Spinal tap or lumbar puncture
- Certain medical conditions, such as spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Treatment
Treatment for cerebrospinal fluid leakage depends on the cause and severity of the leak. Options can include:
- Conservative treatments, such as bed rest, hydration, and caffeine
- Epidural blood patch, a procedure where a small amount of the patient's blood is injected into the epidural space to seal the leak
- Surgery to repair the leak
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
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