The dura is a tough structure, but is often damaged during invasive medical treatments for chronic back pain. Other forms of spontaneous fluid leaks may occur idiopathically or due to disease processes.Ī CSF leak is diagnosed when a patient suffers a hole or rip in the dura membrane which retains the spinal fluid around the central nervous system components. This article focuses on CSF leaks which occur due to back surgery and epidural injection therapy treatments, as well as back injuries. Few patients also realize the consequences of continuing fluid leaks or the fact that secondary reparative surgery is often needed. When the fluid leaks, it can create symptomatic conditions that range from minor to extreme.įew patients realize that any procedure which punctures the protective membrane around the spinal structures has a fair chance of causing a fluid leak. Cerebral spinal fluid is the protective liquid which is encased in the dura and surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Sinicropi performs surgery in the following Minnesota cities: Edina, Burnsville, Roseville, Woodbury, Maplewood, Stillwater.A spinal fluid leak, also known technically as a CSF leak or intracranial hypotension condition, can occur for many reasons and affects many back pain patients who choose surgical interventions as part of their treatment process. Results may vary from person to person.ĭr. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. If you think you may have a medical emergency or a major medical problem, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific spine or other medical problems. Sinicropi has performed these specific surgeries. These assessments do not indicate that Dr. Sinicropi periodically provides assessments and commentary on specific procedures that individuals have undergone. It should NOT be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific medical advice to anyone. The information contained on this site is intended to provide only general education about spine surgery and conditions. Using a lumbar puncture, a physician can extract a sample of spinal fluid and test it to help diagnose a number of conditions such as meningitis, brain hemorrhages, and other conditions of the central nervous system. Spinal fluid can also be used for diagnostic purposes. On the flip side, overproduction of spinal fluid can lead to hydrocephalus (also known as “water on the brain”), which can be fatal if left untreated. Low levels of spinal fluid can be severely detrimental to your health and put you at increased risk of head injury. What is it Used For?Ĭerebrospinal fluid is essential to our everyday health and well-being. There are many more, some of which are still being studied and understood by medical professionals. These are just the primary functions of spinal fluid. Maintaining chemical stability in the brain and throughout the bloodstream.Spinal fluid will not protect against all blows to the head, but it is essential in mitigating the severity of head injuries. Protecting the brain in the event of an injury.Without spinal fluid the brain would increase in weight, killing neurons and cutting blood supply in the process. Keeping the brain buoyant and suspended inside the skull.There are 3 main functions that cerebrospinal fluid provides: On a daily basis nearly 500ml of fluid are produced, and about 100ml are present at a time. The brain is constantly producing and absorbing spinal fluid. It also aids in the flow of blood to and from the brain. The primary function of spinal fluid is to provide a cushion for the cortex in the brain. Spinal fluid (also known as cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF for short) is a bodily fluid in the spine and brain. In this article we will be delving into what exactly spinal fluid is and what it can be used for. Spinal fluid is an essential bodily fluid that protects the brain. Spinal Fluid: What is it & Why is it Important? Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: July 22, 2014