spinal fluid leak

[eeyoresgirl]

I recently had my 2nd spinal surgery - the first was to remove an Ependymoma which was done succesfully, but not fully removes - the latter to drain a cyst in the same area (lumbar). I just had an MRI and was told I have a spinal fluid leak in the lumbar area. My neurosuergeon wants to repair ASAP. What are the risks of the leak? He showed me the "pillow' where the fluid was leaking to and this afternoon I noticed it disappeared. Where did it go? I'm experiencing leg, back and neck pain as well. Thank you for you help!

[deerme]

over the last 20 years i have recived treatment for migranes and fibromialgia, I am now a 58 year old male on total disability.  The drug topomax has kept the explosive headaches at bay, but add more drowsiness to my already present symptoms of chronic fatique.  For the last 6 months or so i have taken a med called savellia & it has reduced the shooting fire like pain that i often had running through my shoulders arms and upper legs. Besides meds I also use moderate excercise (walking), bio-feedback, cognitive/behavioral therapy, guided imagery, & meditation to cope with pain. I have tried a whole host of other treatments including accupuncture, supplements, massage, saunas, topicals etc.  However the one symptom that has me on verge of suicide (not an understatement) on an almost daily basis is a feeling that substance inside my spinal column is pressing against the inside wall. I have described this sensation to all of the numerous Drs, and to my family Dr on every visit, and I either get the UMMM thats interesting, but you don't know jack attitude.  Or, I get perhaps the pain trigger points along side you spine are radiating and it feels like it is coming from within.  Only the last few weeks have I been reading and hearing about a spinal fluid build up link to fibro.  What I would like if any one could help because the stat im in now is that any movment is very painful and anything that resembles jarring or an abrupt movement is unbearable.  So of course I would like to know if there is any inexspensive treament/relief (I have fallen through the insurance void) and secondly is there a respected reputable Dr, of medicine who has done research that I can site next time I talk to a Dr so they don't blow me off like they have for the last two decades.  Thanks so much
Deerme

[eeyoresgirl]

Hi.

Thank you for that information. You've been very helpful and I appreciate you answering my questions!

Thank you so much!

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The spinal fluid gets collected in a pocket after leakage. This collected fluid may be absorbed over a period of time; that’s why the 'pillow' has disappeared.

Spinal fluid leak may lead to a reduced volume of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles and also the spinal canal. The commonest symptom of this is headache. This headache is not responsive to the usual line of treatment.

If the leak is persistent, it may act as an entry to micro-organisms and there maybe an infection of the meninges with meningitis and / or encephalitis as complications.

Regards