Clinical Manifestations of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Lumbar Puncture
Disease description:
The elderly in my family is in poor health and has developed a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) cerebrospinal fluid leak. We are very concerned and would like to learn about the clinical manifestations of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after a lumbar puncture.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
The clinical manifestations of lumbar puncture-induced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage mainly include the following aspects:
1. Fluid leakage: Patients may experience watery discharge from the nose or ear canal, which indicates CSF leakage through the puncture site into the epidural space. As the condition progresses, CSF leakage from the head wound may also occur.
2. Delayed wound healing: Continuous fluid leakage from the wound site may interfere with normal wound healing, resulting in delayed recovery.
3. Persistent headache: Continuous CSF leakage may lead to decreased intracranial pressure, causing persistent headache and dizziness. This headache typically worsens when standing and improves when lying down.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Excessive loss of CSF can reduce meningeal pressure, potentially leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
5. Increased risk of infection: Failure of the wound to heal promptly can increase the likelihood of infection, resulting in inflammatory reactions such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the wound site.
