Treatment:

Depending on the cause of the leak, many cases go away on their own after a few days. Complete bed rest for several days is usually recommended.

Headache may be treated with pain relievers and fluids. If the headache lasts longer than a week after a lumbar puncture, a procedure may be done to block the hole that may be leaking fluid. This is called a blood patch, because a blood clot can be used to clog the leak. In most cases, this makes symptoms go away. Rarely, surgery is needed to repair a tear in the dura and stop the headache.

If symptoms of infection occur (fever, chills, change in mental status), antibiotic therapy is needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook is usually good depending on the cause. Most cases heal by themselves with no lasting symptoms.

Complications:

Complications may occur if the cause is surgery or trauma. Infections can cause serious complications, such as swelling of the brain.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You have a headache that gets worse when you sit up, especially if you have recently had a head injury, surgery, or childbirth involving epidural anesthesia.
• You have a moderate head injury, and then develop a headache along with a thin, clear fluid draining from your nose or ear.