What should I do if 120 mL of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after a lumbar puncture?
Disease description:
During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained. What should be done if 120 mL of CSF leaks out during the procedure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak of 120 mL following lumbar puncture can be cured with non-surgical treatment. Management may include applying a pressure sandbag to the lumbar region. If the damage to the subarachnoid space is minor, spontaneous recovery may occur after appropriate management. However, persistent CSF leakage requires surgical repair. The patient should remain in bed and receive intravenous infusion of 5% dextrose saline solution. Alternatively, 20–30 mL of 5% dextrose solution can be injected into the epidural space.
