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CSF leak - Overview

Alternative Names

Intracranial hypotension

Definition of CSF leak:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/10/2006
  • 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.