Question 1

hello i have a scar from a brain surgery and i found out there is liquid in part of it. just recently, it burst and it wont stop leaking what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Get checked : Cannot say source without exam and possibly testing--could be harmless or depending on timing and type of surgery, CSF. Let your Dr guide you.

Question 2

chronic head & back pain 10 months after brain surgery (removed malformation causing epilepsy in the left temporal lobe) and spinal tap. why?

Accepted Answer

CSF loss: Loss of cerebral spinal fluid may be one explanation. What does your neurosurgeon say?

Question 3

is it true that a spinal fluid leak after surgery is the surgeons fault?

Accepted Answer

Vague ?? but no: What kind of surgery are you referring to? With many neurosurgical procedures, CSF leak is a risk, especially if the CSF space itself was entered as a part of the operation. These leaks are not uncommon, sometimes even a normal part of healing, and usually resolve with proper treatment. I encourage you to review your concerns with your surgeon. Your surgeon is in the best position to help you.

Question 4

i was wondering is a spinal fluid leak after surgery the fault of the surgeons?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Did you have spinal anesthesia? Did a surgeon operate on you brain or spinal cord? What did you have surgery for? Infrequently a spinal fluid leak can develop spontaneously.

Question 5

could a person really leak brain and/or spinal fluid?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Leaks from the nose or ear are fairly common after head trauma or surgical mishaps. They are often missed until a clever physician tests the fluid for glucose using a reagent test strip. Spinal fluid leaks after a lumbar puncture are troublesome.

Question 6

is there anything less invasive than a myleogram to find a spinal fluid leak? my brain mri shows brain sag?

Accepted Answer

CSF leak: There are other clues from MRI besides brain "sag" towards spinal leak, but the more specific answer depends on your symptoms (their relation to position) and where the leak is suspected to exist.  There is a nuclear test, but that is just as invasive as a myelogram, as the tracer (or dye in the case of myelogram) has to be injected into the spinal nerve sac to attempt to demonstrate leakage.

Question 7

if im allergic to dye what would be another way to check for spinal fluid leak besides myleogram? i have the brain sag. cant we just do a blood patch since i have chiari which is a sign of leaking plus my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

: Would recommend an opinion from both a neuroradiologist and a neurosurgeon, as your comments suggest you have multiple concerns and areas of confusion which all need clarification.  Yes, there are alternative ways to deal with complexities, so, discuss this when you meet with your doctor team.

Question 8

with a cerebral spinal fluid leak, causing chronic rhinorrhea. mainly right sided. what findings *could be seen on a nasal endoscopy camera? thank you?

Accepted Answer

: Best answer from physician doing the procedure but most likely to pinpoint site of leak hopefully preparatory to repair

Question 9

what can help me recover from brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery: Depending on the location of your surgery, you first need a period of time for healing.  During this initial time, walking is good therapy- not aggressive walking but slow purposeful walking in a relaxed fashion.  After a recovery period, cognitive exercises are good to help you with activities of daily living and thought.  
Have a thorough discussion with your neurosurgeon- he will gladly help.

Question 10

how quickly after brain surgery are you able to excersise?

Accepted Answer

Good question: If u are taking about a craniotomy where the skull was opened and put back, I'd suggest discussing it with your surgeon at your routine post-op visit. The answer will vary among docs and depending on the nature of the surgery, but at least six to eight weeks is a good assumption. Even then, you should start slowly &amp; build over time, paying attention to what your body is telling u. Good Luck.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Spinal fluid leak after brain surgery

A member asked:

Hello i have a scar from a brain surgery and i found out there is liquid in part of it. just recently, it burst and it wont stop leaking what can i do?

A member asked:

Chronic head & back pain 10 months after brain surgery (removed malformation causing epilepsy in the left temporal lobe) and spinal tap. why?

A member asked:

Is it true that a spinal fluid leak after surgery is the surgeons fault?

A member asked:

I was wondering is a spinal fluid leak after surgery the fault of the surgeons?

A member asked:

Could a person really leak brain and/or spinal fluid?

A member asked:

Is there anything less invasive than a myleogram to find a spinal fluid leak? my brain mri shows brain sag?

A member asked:

If im allergic to dye what would be another way to check for spinal fluid leak besides myleogram? i have the brain sag. cant we just do a blood patch since i have chiari which is a sign of leaking plus my symptoms?

A member asked:

With a cerebral spinal fluid leak, causing chronic rhinorrhea. mainly right sided. what findings *could be seen on a nasal endoscopy camera? thank you?

A member asked:

What can help me recover from brain surgery?

A member asked:

How quickly after brain surgery are you able to excersise?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?