HomeAnswersNeurologycsfI encountered a fall many years ago. Could that have caused a skull fracture?

Could a CSF leak occur due to a fall that happened 14 years ago?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 13, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a history of falls many years ago. Is it possible to fracture the skull when drunk and wake up the next day having no idea?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would explain that heavy drinking and brain trauma can cause memory loss. On the other hand, heavy drinking is a common cause of falling and head trauma. So, the answer to your question is yes.

I hope you will find this information helpful.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Could a CSF leak begin 14 years after the fall?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest that this is not possible. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak would begin suddenly after the trauma. A second repeated trauma can lead to a CSF leak after a long time.

I hope you will find this information helpful.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am wondering if I had a skull fracture and if I was completely fine the next day. I am worried that I had a fracture and will contract meningitis and it could spread because of an old fracture.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The answer to your question is No. If you had a skull fracture, you would have lost consciousness for a long period of time, you would feel a lot of complaints (gait imbalance, memory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc), and other skin signs (visible head bumps, and changes in skin color due to bleeding). I do not think that there was any skull fracture before 14 years.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am just worried I might have mistaken symptoms for a hangover, would they persist a few days after the fracture and would they be worse and get worse over time?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, the symptoms of a skull fracture would definitely be much more severe and would worsen in the next few days because of the continuing bleeding.

I hope this helps. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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