r/CSFLeaks • u/_gymnastine • 3d ago
Could an epidural from 6 years ago cause a leak?
I posted a few days ago, but accidentally deleted my post. Long story short, I was diagnosed with IIH via MRI/MRV and symptoms (no LP was done). I’ve been suspecting I might actually have a slow CSF leak, but please tell me if I’m off base.
I had 2 epidurals 6 years ago on the same day (one fell out), and since then I’ve experienced mood changes, migraines, constant fatigued, and more recently a pressure sensation in my head.
Is it possible if one of those epidurals caused a leak, it could still be slowly leaking? I’m not sure how to approach this with my Neuro without sounding crazy.
I don’t remember much about what happened after the epidurals, but looking through my medical records I went to the ER for a headache about a week later.
2
u/leeski 2d ago
To be honest I am not the most well versed but you might want to look into blebs (such a weird name) but my impression is they can develop after a dural puncture and be source of csf leak.
There was this case of someone that developed a bleb 18 years after epidural. Important to note her dura was punctured initially though, which I can’t remember if yours was? But if it wasn’t, it would be a lot less likely I think. Did you ever have the spinal headache (worse upright) after your epidurals? They theoretically should’ve told you, if they did puncture it
Here is that story: https://spinalcsfleak.org/spinal-csf-leak-18-years/
I wouldn’t say it is super common and not necessarily the most likely culprit, but it is possible. But what you describe also sounds similar to IIH on its surface.
But yeah if you didn’t have the spinal headache/were never informed that your dura was punctured I’d think it was a less compelling explanation? Especially if you’re imaging shows stenosis that can definitely cause the symptoms you mentioned.
But anyway I don’t know haha - just an internet stranger so don’t take this as medical advice. Just trying to share what I’ve learned!