Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurs through a defect in the skull or dura and leaks through the ear or nose. There are two types spinal and cranial CSF. The most common symptoms include headaches. Sometimes a conservative treatment like bed rest can heal the leak. But many cases need a patch to cover the hole or leak.
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I suffer from pulsatile tinnitus and vertigo. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I have been struggling for approximately two years with symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, orthostatic headaches and general fatigue. I had an MRI that showed empty Sella with some herniation of CSF into the pituitary gland area. I have a set of images from a CT a... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The MRI findings are suggestive of benign intracranial hypertension and these also correlate well with your symptoms. In the scan provided, no obvious defect is seen in either of the cribriform plates. The CT angiogram is within normal limits. But still, if you have... Read Full »
Is there a potential for CSF leakage after sinus surgery?
Query: Hello doctor, I had sinus surgery about four months ago, to correct a severely deviated septum and to reduce the turbinates on both sides. I also had surgery previously on my face to reconstruct an impacted orbital bone and maxillary sinus on the left side of my face. Following the surgery, on my s... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. With a septal correction and turbinate reduction surgery the chances of causing a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak as complications are remote because CSF leak occurs when you disrupt the skull base and in the surgeries you mentioned we do not touch the skull base. Howev... Read Full »
I notice clear drainage from my nose after FESS. Is it due to chronic rhinitis?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a FESS done before five months. Shortly after I noticed clear drainage from my nose. I had a pledget study done that confirm a bilateral CSF leak. Five weeks ago, I had sx to repair it, however in sx under intrathecal fluorescein, and the surgeon could not locate the leak. Nose s... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. CSF rhinorrhea is a known complication of extensive FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery). If a pledget had shown confirmed CSK leak, it sure needs to be investigated. Small leaks heal and recover by themselves however, if the leak persists longer, then it needs t... Read Full »
Why am I having clear liquid from nose on tilting my head?
Query: Hello doctor, I tilt my head or bend over and I have a clear liquid that comes out my nose. I get dizzy if I bend down and get up. I have major headaches a lot lately, and I am scared. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.cim. Collect the liquid in a clean container. Sit upright for an hour and then bend down, so that the liquid accumulates and comes down. Collect that. 1. Send the liquid for beta 2 transferrin examination, and sugar estimation. 2. Take a drop of liquid and put it on a handk... Read Full »
How common is CSF leak after shunt surgery?
Query: Hello doctor, My sister-in-law have surgery shunt in brain for hydrocephalus conditon before two weeks and she was unconcious. But now they suggest surgery for CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) leak. We are very confused what should we do? Is it possible to have CSF leak after shunt surgery? Kindly revert ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I feel sorry for all the pain your sister in law is going through. Hydrocephalus is a difficult problem to treat. The complication which are seen your sister in law case are very common in these type of patients. I would suggest you to follow your doctors (neurosurgeon... Read Full »
Is it necessary to take CT abdomen after SPECT scan?
Query: Hello doctor, I recently had a SPECT scan to evaluate a possible CSF leak. The scan was done with a dye injected into the spine. My brain was scanned and also the abdomen. The scan did not pick-up any abnormalities and a leak was not seen. I was informed today that I may need to have a CT scan of... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I cannot but appreciate what you call your "curiosity". I would rather call it your awareness and consciousness. One should indeed think twice before going through a radiation exposure for a second time. If I say in one word, the CT scan your doctor has recommended i... Read Full »
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