Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms may include:
- A headache that is worse when you sit up and improves when you lay down
- Drainage from the ear (rarely)
- Runny nose
Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosis is usually based on your history of injury, surgery, or lumbar puncture.
Tests may include:
- Injection of a radioisotope in the spinal fluid to track the leakage
- MRI
- X-ray with contrast dye
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CSF leak : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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CSF leak : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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CSF leak : Treatment
Review Date : 9/22/2008
Reviewed By : Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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