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Could your headache be a cerebrospinal fluid leak?

On Behalf of | Aug 19, 2019 | Personal Injury |

There are many reasons residents of the Kansas City metropolitan area complain of headaches, from allergies to weather changes. However, if you have suffered an injury to your spine or had a spinal medical procedure, your headaches may be something more. You may have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which can cause debilitating headaches and other symptoms. The following information from the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation may help you determine if you are suffering from a CSF leak.  

A spinal CSF leak results from a tear in the dura mater of the spinal cord. The resulting low intracranial pressure leads to debilitating headaches and other symptoms. CSF leak causes are varied and include whiplash or other spinal injuries, lumbar punctures, spinal surgery, or a leak may occur spontaneously with no known cause.

Headaches from a CSF leak have hallmarks that distinguish them from other migraines. The most notable difference is that a headache from a CSF leak is often relieved by laying down and worsened by being upright. The headaches may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as head pressure, tinnitus, pain or feeling of tightness in the eyes, balance problems, and arm numbness.   

If you have a CSF leak, a definitive diagnosis may be helpful for a host of reasons. A diagnosis can aid in finding treatment, evidencing personal injury or simply peace of mind from knowing the cause of your suffering. Fortunately, many people can find relief for this condition once it is finally discovered.   

This information is provided for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.