What happens to patients who have a CSF leak?
The leakage of CSF can create a potential pathway for infection to get inside the brain and spinal cord. Despite meticulous attempts to close the dura, many patients experience symptoms resulting from CSF leakage after the surgery. These symptoms can include the following: – Delayed healing of surrounding tissues since CSF is caustic to bone, muscle and skin. – Collections of CSF under the skin can cause compression of nerves and breakdown of the wound closure. – Low CSF levels can lead to severe headaches, which are aggravated by sitting or standing up. – CSF leaks can create a pathway to track bacteria and create life-threatening complications, such as meningitis. Treatment for CSF leaks includes aspiration and compression, lumbar drains, and re-operations if problems persist. Does DuraSeal work with any type of graft material? In the United States, DuraSeal Sealant is approved for use with autologous duraplasty materials, such as fascia, muscle, or fat. DuraSeal has also been succes
