Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from penetrating injuries: Diagnosis and treatment

Penetrating Spinal Cord Injuries are often complicated by Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks, which can be diagnosed either at initial presentation, or present themselves in a delayed fashion. Symptoms are usually non-specific and include positional headaches, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and may even include hypotension, cranial nerve palsies, and in severe cases, meningitis. Imaging to detect CSF leaks include: plain radiographs, CT and MRI, CT-myelogram, radionuclide cisternograms, MRI with intrathecal gadolinium. Initial treatment of CSF leaks is conservative, including bedrest, hydration/overhydration, and medications such as caffeine and theophylline. Although overall treatment protocols are controversial, there seems to be a consensus that if a CSF leak persists for over 96 hours, it should be surgically treated, as it would inevitably increase the risks of pseudomeningocele formation and meningitis. Surgical options include a blood/fibrin patch, the placement of a lumbar drain, and ultimately surgical exploration and primary closure of the dural defect.