Question 1

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 2

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 3

might it be that a person really leak brain and/or spinal fluid?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most commonly happens after spinal tap. Usually resolves by itself.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

i have spinal fluid leaking, what can happen to me?

Accepted Answer

Where is the leak?: Spinal fluid leak can cause severe headaches and infection can reach the brain through the site of leakage, what makes you think that you have spinal fluid leak?

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: spinal fluid leaking from nose?

Accepted Answer

Just what it says: If cerebro-spinal fluid is leaking through the nose. It implies a breech in the base of the skull. There is a specific test to determine if the fluid leaking from the nose is CSF, a test of beta transferrin.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 8

can ms lesions be just in spinal cord not brain or visa versa? also does ms always show up in spinal fluid?

Accepted Answer

MS lesions...: ...Can be anywhere in the nervous system, and do not have to show up as changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. The clinical course (stepwise deterioration with slow recovery between episodes) is t he hallmark of ms.

Question 9

following a csf leak, does spinal fluid replenish itself after the leak had been sealed? if it replenishes itself, how long does that typically take?

Accepted Answer

Once leak is gone: It only takes a few hours.

Question 10

woke up with a headache, pain gets worse when i stand up. this type of headache happens maybe 10-15 times/year, type of migraine or spinal fluid leak?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic headache: Orthostatic headache is a medical condition in which a patient develops a headache while vertical and the headache is relieved when horizontal. Not all orthostatic headaches are due to CSF leaks. See a headache specialist for evaluation, tests and management.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Spinal fluid leak into brain

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:

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

A member asked:

Might it be that a person really leak brain and/or spinal fluid?

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:

I have spinal fluid leaking, what can happen to me?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: spinal fluid leaking from nose?

A member asked:

Can ms lesions be just in spinal cord not brain or visa versa? also does ms always show up in spinal fluid?

A member asked:

Following a csf leak, does spinal fluid replenish itself after the leak had been sealed? if it replenishes itself, how long does that typically take?

A member asked:

Woke up with a headache, pain gets worse when i stand up. this type of headache happens maybe 10-15 times/year, type of migraine or spinal fluid leak?

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?