Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Spinal Tap: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can leak after a spinal tap is performed for diagnosis or injection. Leakage is usually short-term and resolves with rest, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center.

Cause and Symptoms

• After a spinal tap, CSF can leak from the arachnoid membrane of the central nervous system. A clear, watery fluid leaking from the puncture site, ear or nose may be visible. The patient commonly reports a headache that improves when he lies down.

Diagnosis

• Occasional CSF leakage is not preventable after a spinal tap. The fluid can be tested to identify it as CSF, although if accompanied by a headache after a spinal tap, CSF leakage is often assumed.

Treatment

• Antibiotics, rest and sometimes catheters inserted into the lumbar spine are used to treat CSF leakage. The problem can also result from tumors, surgery or head trauma.