Intracranial Hypotension Syndrome

Intracranial hypotension syndrome (spinal CSF leak) is orthostatic headache (worse upright, better lying) due to low CSF pressure from a spinal dural CSF leak, often post-traumatic/post-lumbar-puncture or spontaneous. Clinical: orthostatic headache, nausea, neck stiffness. Diagnosis: clinical plus spinal MRI/CT myelography showing leak. Treatment: bed rest/hydration/caffeine; epidural blood patch for persistent/orthostatic headache; surgical repair of the leak in selected cases.

Common Symptoms

Orthostatic headache (worse upright, better lying); nausea; neck stiffness; post-LP/traumatic or spontaneous

Causes and Pathogenesis

Spinal dural CSF leak lowers CSF pressure, causing brain sag and orthostatic headache.

Treatment

Bed rest/hydration/caffeine; epidural blood patch; surgical repair of leak in selected cases

Preventive Measures

Atraumatic LP; treat leak early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.