Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks leading to intracranial hypotension can cause significant debilitation and an array of neurologic symptoms, most notably a positional headache, which worsens when upright and improves when lying down. Patients can often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for many years. Our team of subspecialized, world-class Weill Cornell neuroradiologists are trained to identify the site (the dural tear) of cranial and spinal CSF leaks as well as treat spinal leaks with minimally-invasive, needle-based approaches.  Our neuroradiology physicians work in close collaboration with neurosurgery and neurology to deliver the highest level of comprehensive care to our CSF leak patients.

We offer a full range of myelogram and cisternogram examinations utilizing all imaging modalities including CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy to identify the source of CSF leak. Therapeutic nontargeted and targeted epidural blood and fibrin patching are performed under CT guidance by our expert CSF leak neuroradiology faculty.

For an evaluation by the Neuroradiology CSF Leak Team, please call (646) 962-5757.

For more information on the Multidisciplinary Weill Cornell Medicine CSF Leak Program, please click here Weill Cornell Department of Neurological Surgery: CSF Leaks

See what our patients are saying:

"This was scary but you are in good hands at Weill Cornell Medicine and you can get through this. You will have your life back again, no matter how far off that might seem at the moment." Maddie Kachurak

"There was never a time during my entire experience that I didn't have total confidence in the team. They were all on the same page from start to finish, and I'm thankful for that." - Kelly Olivo