CSF leak

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Cerebrospinal fluid leak

CSF leak is an escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Intracranial hypotension

The dura is the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and contains the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A tear in the dura may occur without cause, after certain head, brain, or spinal surgeries, or after a head injury.

CSF leak can also be caused by a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or by placement of tubes used for epidural anesthesia or pain medications.

Review Date: 09/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.