G96.02

Clinical Causes: No definitive cause identified, often occurring without trauma or obvious injury Degenerative changes in spinal discs or tissues that weaken membranes Spontaneous rupture due to underlying connective tissue disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) Previous spinal procedures or surgeries that may weaken the dura Spinal infections or inflammatory processes contributing to tissue breakdown Structural abnormalities or congenital weaknesses in spinal membranes

Key Symptoms: Orthostatic headaches that worsen when upright and improve when lying down Dizziness or lightheadedness Neck or back pain localized to the relevant area Nausea or vomiting in some cases Persistent ringing in ears (tinnitus) Changes in vision or hearing Sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling in extremities In rare cases, neurological deficits depending on severity and location

Diagnosis Path: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To detect leakage points, brain or spinal abnormalities, and secondary effects Myelography: An imaging procedure involving contrast dye and X-rays to visualize CSF leaks CT myelography: Enhanced imaging method providing detailed visualization of the spinal structures Radioisotope cisternography: Less commonly used, involving the injection of radioactive tracers to identify leak sites

Treatment Protocols: Conservative measures: Bed rest, hydration, and caffeine intake to reduce symptoms and promote healing Epidural blood patch: A minimally invasive procedure where a patient’s own blood is injected around the leak site to form a clot and seal the tear Surgical intervention: In cases where conservative measures fail, surgery may be required to repair the tear directly Medications: Pain relievers and medications to manage associated symptoms such as nausea or headaches Monitoring and follow-up: Regular assessments to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence