Does CSF leak cause fatigue?

[phoebe_bird]

Hi and thanks for being here. I was recently diagnosed with spontaneous cranial CSF leak. Symptoms, which have persisted for several months: clear drainage from right nostril, daily headache (4 to 6 on a 10-scale). I was referred by ENT to neurosurgeons who have scheduled me for brain surgery to plug the leak. The diagnosis and recommended surgical treatment are a lot for me to process, so I'm not surprised if I am experiencing some anxiety and depression. But I am also soooooooooooo tired all the time--even before the diagnosis. Very little motivation or energy to do even simple things like laundry or washing dishes. Could this be a symptom of the CSF leak? A lay person on another message board suggested that b/c my body has to work harder to produce the spinal fluid I am losing 24/7 from my nose, it can lead to fatigue. I am grateful for any feedback.

[SusieMN]

You absolutely it does cause fatigue. I have a spinal fluid leak from an ephidural I was given at the birth of my daughter. It took me over 10 doctors to finally get diagnosed and help. https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Neurosurgery/Centers-and-Programs/Cerebrospinal-Fluid-Leak/index.aspx  

This is who helped me! Don't give up they will help you. Email and they respond quickly and will review your case

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Theoretically, the fatigue would not be the direct result of the CSF leak but could be associated with the cause of the leak (trauma, brain conditions) or as a complication of the leak (meningitis, etc.). However, it would be hard to determine at this point exactly what is causing your fatigue as you also mentioned having daily headaches prior to diagnosis which could actually make some people feel really tired and  have little motivation to do anything.

You should go ahead first with your surgery and see if your fatigue symptoms would also resolve with your other symptoms.

Good luck.