Headaches caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage usually resolve in 1 to 2 weeks. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage can be seen in traumatic brain injury resulting in skull base bone fractures, as well as lumbar spinal intrathecal anesthesia, and dural sac rupture resulting from spinal surgery.
In the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid leak, the headache is caused by a decrease in intracranial pressure as the cerebrospinal fluid leaks out. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks usually heal on their own, and after healing, the intracranial pressure can return to normal on its own, and the headache can be relieved.
Conservative treatment can be chosen first. The patient should lie down with the pillow removed. Take the head down and feet up position, mannitol to reduce cranial pressure, reduce the dural tension, to create opportunities for healing, control blood pressure, avoid strenuous exercise. In a few patients, after 1~2 weeks, the headache symptoms are still not relieved, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage can be seen, and intracranial pressure is reduced, then it is necessary to perform surgical treatment and dural repair.
It is recommended that patients take more bed rest during the treatment period and try to avoid laughing, sneezing and other large movements to promote recovery.