1 level ACDF with complications - CSF leak (spinal fluid leak)

[mmglobal]

Before I write this, I must reiterate... I'm not a doctor. I am just asking questions that I'd ask if I were with you, talking to your doctor. I am NOT suggesting that you have meningitis. I would suspect that you don't. In my experience, the symptoms would be so severe that you'd be in the ER and not capable of being on the computer.

Is it possible that the swelling under the incision and the severe spinal headache symptoms are two separate problems with two separate causes?

Would it be possible for a CSF infection to present with these symptoms that don't rise to the totally incapacitated level that I've seen in the meningitis cases I know. remember, I'm a layperson, not a doctor!

Is it prudent to rule out an infection of the CSF? If so, how? If the answer is a spinal tap, could that be combined with some contrast that would also identify a CSF leak.

Note... I would NEVER want an intrusion into the spinal canal or dura that was not absolutely necessary!

Again, these are just question and I may be all wet... Please don't horriblize over what some faceless bozo writes on the internet! While this may be a good place to get ideas and for spine patients share their relevant experiences, this is no place to get medical advice.

Good luck!

Mark

[Maria]

In your situation post a surgery I've had a severe spinal fluid leak related headache 3x. The first time was when I was 16 and had to have a spinal tap. It was gruesomely painful for over a week.

The next 2 x were post myelogram even with all precautions taken such as drinking large amounts of fluid post procedure and bedrest for up to 24 hours.

Unfortunately I had to be admitted to the hospital both times post procedure and lay flat in bed for a full 7 days with a catheter in place for urination and since I was unable to defecate in this position I had to have the help of Mag Citrate on the 6th night and was finally able to use the toilet that 7th day and be released to go home.

Anytime before that if I even attempted to raise my head a little I felt like a building was sitting on my head and the headache was completely and totally debilitating.

So I wonder if you were able to be on COMPLETE bedrest such as I was if you would heal in the time I did. My Neurosurgeon at the time would not authorize a blood patch for me yet I was never given a reason why except he felt it better to hospitalize me and it worked both times.

Good luck with whatever is found out and however you proceed. Maria