Spinal fluid leaking into the base of the brain

[lesli]

What causes spinal fluid to leak into the base of the brain? Over a period of three to four years what kind of damage can this do? And lastly, what can be done to correct this?

[CCF neuro MD MM]

The entire brain is surrounded by spinal ( or cerebro-spinal fluid  CSF, as it is more correctly called ). I presume that you are referring to leak of fluid from the skull base.
This can occur whenever the skull bones are breached , either by surgery, trauma or another process which erodes away a piece of bone leaving a defect through which fluid can leak out.
Sometimes this seems to occurr spontaneously and a cause is never found, possibly due to some congenital anatomical anomaly.
The actual leak itself is not harmful, and will not cause any long term damage.
The danger is that at any time if fluid can leak out then infection can potentially get in, causing meningitis.
A constant leak can cause low CSF pressure which can lead to chronic headaches.
This sort of leak would probably require surgical correction, as it is not likely to close spontaneously ater this time period.

[tony White]

How early can you detect fluid on the spine?

[rosered 1]

spinal fluid leaking causes

[msm492]

A related discussion, Effects of ICP on future generations was started.

[helen40]

A related discussion, leaking brain was started.

[helen40]

A related discussion, leaking brain was started.

[lori]

Lesli,
My mother has Arnold Chiari syndrome with Syringomyelia. Your question made me think of this because that it how she described the situation.  I hope that not what you have but you may want to check with your dr.
Good Luck
Lori