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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Scuba Diving after CSF leak repair
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Scuba Diving after CSF leak repair
by Mitzi, Oct 18, 2006 12:00AM
My son had surgery a little over 4 years ago to repair a CSF leak following facial and head trauma. The leak was up under his brain in the general vicinity of the pituitary and surgery was done by nasal endoscopy using a patch from his upperleg. He is now well healed and he lives a normal and active life. Although he has resumed scuba diving, he has remained at depths less than 33 feet. He would like to resume deeper diving. Question: Is the patch to the dura likely to be compromised or are their other dangers specific to his situation? Is there anything he can do to reduce the risks to the patch? Other divers have suggested that perhaps he should descend and ascend slower. We have made an inquiry with DAN and their medic felt it was probably safe to go deeper. We would also like a neurosurgeon's view on this. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Oct 24, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
Changes in the pressure as one dives can put pressure on the dura as the condition of the various gases change. It is conceiveable that these changes at deep water pressures may affect your graft, based on the surgical techinque used and the health of the graft. Since I am not in a position to review the surgical technique used and the current condition of the graft, I will defer to the neurosurgeon who placed the graft. If at any time you develop headaches that worsen with standing and then improve on lying down, or develop a clear fluid dripping from your ear or nose your should be concerned about a leak in your graft. A MRI with CINE flow study and/or CT cisternography will help evaluate the current function of the graft.
I hope this has been helpful.
Changes in the pressure as one dives can put pressure on the dura as the condition of the various gases change. It is conceiveable that these changes at deep water pressures may affect your graft, based on the surgical techinque used and the health of the graft. Since I am not in a position to review the surgical technique used and the current condition of the graft, I will defer to the neurosurgeon who placed the graft. If at any time you develop headaches that worsen with standing and then improve on lying down, or develop a clear fluid dripping from your ear or nose your should be concerned about a leak in your graft. A MRI with CINE flow study and/or CT cisternography will help evaluate the current function of the graft.
I hope this has been helpful.