Treatment Of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Research Articles

Epidural Blood Patch for the Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Case Series.

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is frequently used for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and anesthesiologists are often involved in performing such procedures. However, the optimal technique and approach of EBP remains uncertain. This case series included adult patients with SIH who underwent EBPs at London Health Science Centre, Ontario, Canada between 2010 and 2022. Demographics, clinical presentations, investigations, and EBP treatment details were collected and analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to investigate the association of the variables with the likelihood of EBP 1-month efficacy and the efficacy duration of EBP. The study included 36 patients with SIH who received at least 1 EBP. EBPs provided immediate relief in almost all patients, albeit with diminishing effects over time. The 1-month efficacy improved with increasing number of EBP attempts (P=0.032, Fisher exact test), though no particular EBP technique or volume of injectate was associated with better efficacy (P=0.38, Fisher exact test). Though permanent resolution of symptoms was observed in only 24 of 82 EBPs (29%), 24 of 36 patients (67%) had permanent symptom resolution following repeated EBPs. EBP is a promising treatment and symptomatic relief option in patients suffering from the debilitating symptoms of SIH. Tailored EBP techniques, including use of targeted higher volume EBP and a multi-level catheter guided technique for refractory cases, showed efficacy in our institutional setting. Despite its limitations, this study contributes valuable insights and experiences into the use of EBP for treatment of SIH.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension - a spinal disease.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) remains an underdiagnosed condition despite increasing awareness due to recent scientific advances. Diagnosis can be delayed by the broad clinical presentation and imaging pitfalls. This results in a high degree of physical impairment for patients, including social and psychological sequelae as well as long-term damage in the case of delayed diagnosis and treatment.The study is based on a selective literature search on PubMed including articles from 1990 to 2023 and the authors' clinical experience from working in a CSF center.SIH mostly affects middle-aged women, with the primary symptom being position-dependent orthostatic headache. In addition, there is a broad spectrum of possible symptoms that can overlap with other clinical conditions and therefore complicate the diagnosis. The causative spinal CSF loss can be divided into three main types: ventral (type 1) or lateral (type 2) dural leak and CSF-venous fistula (type 3). The diagnosis can be made using a two-stage workup. As a first step, noninvasive MRI of the head and spine provides indicators of the presence of SIH. The second step using focused myelography can identify the exact location of the cerebrospinal fluid leak and enable targeted therapy (surgical or interventional). Intrathecal pressure measurement or intrathecal injection of gadolinium is no longer necessary for primary diagnosis. Serious complications in the course of the disease can include space-occupying subdural hematomas, superficial siderosis, and symptoms of brain sagging, which can lead to misinterpretations. Treatment consists of closing the dural leak or the cerebrospinal fluid fistula. Despite successful treatment, a relapse can occur, which highlights the importance of follow-up MRI examinations and emphasizes the chronic nature of the disease. This paper provides an overview of the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected SIH and new developments in imaging and therapy. · SIH is an underdiagnosed condition with a wide range of possible symptoms.. · The first diagnostic step using MRI provides indications of the presence of SIH.. · The second diagnostic step using (dynamic) myelography can identify the CSF leak.. · Collaboration with a CSF center is advisable for further diagnosis and treatment.. · Prompt detection and treatment of SIH improves the outcome.. · Zander C, Wolf K, El Rahal A et al. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension - a spinal disease. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2318-8994.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Role of Epidural Blood Patching.

This review focuses on the challenges of diagnosing and treating spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), a condition caused by spinal CSF leakage. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and advocates for early and thoughtful use of empirical epidural blood patches (EBPs) in suspected cases. SIH diagnosis is hindered by variable symptoms and inconsistent imaging results, including normal brain MRI and unreliable spinal opening pressures. It is crucial to consider SIH in differential diagnoses, especially in patients with connective tissue disorders. Early EBP intervention is shown to improve outcomes. SIH remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, requiring heightened awareness and understanding. This review promotes proactive EBP use in managing suspected SIH and calls for continued research to advance diagnostic and treatment methods, emphasizing the need for innovative imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.

Factors to predict recurrence after epidural blood patch in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

This study aimed to identify predictors for the recurrence of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) after epidural blood patch (EBP). Epidural blood patch is the main treatment option for SIH; however, the characteristics of patients who experience relapse after successful EBP treatment for SIH remain understudied. In this exploratory, retrospective, case-control study, we included 19 patients with SIH recurrence after EBP and 36 age- and sex-matched patients without recurrence from a single tertiary medical institution. We analyzed clinical characteristics, neuroimaging findings, and volume changes in intracranial structures after EBP treatment. Machine learning methods were utilized to predict the recurrence of SIH after EBP treatment. There were no significant differences in clinical features between the recurrence and no-recurrence groups. Among brain magnetic resonance imaging signs, diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and cerebral venous dilatation were more prominent in the recurrence group than no-recurrence group after EBP (14/19 [73%] vs. eight of 36 [22%] patients, p = 0.001; 11/19 [57%] vs. seven of 36 [19%] patients, p = 0.010, respectively). The midbrain-pons angle decreased in the recurrence group compared to the no-recurrence group after EBP, at a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of -12.0 [16.7] vs. +1.8[18.3]° (p = 0.048). In volumetric analysis, volume changes after EBP were smaller in the recurrence group than in the no-recurrence group in intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (mean [SD] -11.6 [15.3] vs. +4.8 [17.1] mL, p = 0.001) and ventricles (mean [SD] +1.0 [2.0] vs. +2.0 [2.5] mL, p = 0.003). Notably, the random forest classifier indicated that the model constructed with brain volumetry was more accurate in discriminating SIH recurrence (area under the curve = 0.80 vs. 0.52). Our study suggests that volumetric analysis of intracranial structures may aid in predicting recurrence after EBP treatment in patients with SIH.

Myelography Using Energy-Integrating Detector CT Versus Photon-Counting Detector CT for Detection of CSF-Venous Fistulas in Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

BACKGROUND. CSF-venous fistulas (CVFs), which are an increasingly recognized cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), are often diminutive in size and exceedingly difficult to detect by conventional imaging. OBJECTIVE. This purpose of this study was to compare energy-integrating detector (EID) CT myelography and photon-counting detector (PCD) CT myelography in terms of image quality and diagnostic performance for detecting CVFs in patients with SIH. METHODS. This retrospective study included 38 patients (15 men and 23 women; mean age, 55 ± 10 [SD] years) with SIH who underwent both clinically indicated EID CT myelography (slice thickness, 0.625 mm) and PCD CT myelography (slice thickness, 0.2 mm; performed in ultrahigh-resolution mode) to assess for CSF leak. Three blinded radiologists reviewed examinations in random order, assessing image noise, discernibility of spinal nerve root sleeves, and overall image quality (each assessed using a scale of 0-100, with 100 denoting highest quality) and recording locations of the CVFs. Definite CVFs were defined as CVFs described in CT myelography reports using unequivocal language and having an attenuation value greater than 70 HU. RESULTS. For all readers, PCD CT myelography, in comparison with EID CT myelography, showed higher mean image noise (reader 1: 69.9 ± 18.5 [SD] vs 37.6 ± 15.2; reader 2: 59.5 ± 8.7 vs 49.3 ± 12.7; and reader 3: 57.6 ± 13.2 vs 42.1 ± 16.6), higher mean nerve root sleeve discernibility (reader 1: 81.6 ± 21.7 [SD] vs 30.4 ± 13.6; reader 2: 83.6 ± 10 vs 70.1 ± 18.9; and reader 3: 59.6 ± 13.5 vs 50.5 ± 14.4), and higher mean overall image quality (reader 1: 83.2 ± 20.0 [SD] vs 38.1 ± 13.5; reader 2: 80.1 ± 10.1 vs 72.4 ± 19.8; and reader 3: 57.8 ± 11.2 vs 51.9 ± 13.6) (all p < .05). Eleven patients had a definite CVF. Sensitivity and specificity of EID CT myelography and PCD CT myelography for the detection of definite CVF were 45% and 96% versus 64% and 85%, respectively, for reader 1; 36% and 100% versus 55% and 96%, respectively, for reader 2; and 57% and 100% versus 55% and 93%, respectively, for reader 3. The sensitivity was significantly higher for PCD CT myelography than for EID CT myelography for reader 1 and reader 2 (both p < .05) and was not significantly different between the two techniques for reader 3 (p = .45); for all three readers, specificity was not significantly different between the two modalities (all p > .05). CONCLUSION. In comparison with EID CT myelography, PCD CT myelography yielded significantly improved image quality with significantly higher sensitivity for CVFs (for two of three readers), without significant loss of specificity. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings support a potential role for PCD CT myelography in facilitating earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment of SIH, avoiding high morbidity during potentially prolonged diagnostic workups.

Diagnosis and surgical therapy of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a serious medical condition caused by loss of cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the spine, which, when not treated, may cause substantial long-term disability and increase morbidity. The following video summarizes the necessary steps for successful diagnosis and treatment of SIH, starting with a brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging, followed by dynamic myelography. Because an epidural bloodpatch did not provide a lasting relief, the patient underwent surgery which demonstrated a ventral dural slit caused by an osteodiscogenic microspur. In the 1-month follow up, the patient was symptom free. This video is meant to raise awareness of SIH among clinicians in order to increase general sensitivity for this diagnosis.

Targeted Epidural Blood Patch Injection Through a Mini-Open Approach for Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is recognized as a cause for refractory headache. Treatment can range from blind blood patch injection to microsurgical repair of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The objective of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the targeted blood patch injection (TBPI) technique through a mini-open approach in treatment of refractory intracranial hypotension. We retrospectively reviewed cases of 20 patients who were treated for spontaneous intracranial hypotension at our institute between 2011 and 2022. Head and spine MRI and whole-spine myelography were performed in an attempt to localize the CSF leak. All patients underwent implantation of two epidural drains above and beneath the index level through a minimally invasive interlaminar microsurgical approach under general anesthesia. Then, blood patch was injected under clinical surveillance. Treatment success and surgical complications were evaluated postoperatively and at follow-up. Patients presented with orthostatic headache, vertigo, sensory deficits, and hypacusis (95%, 15%, 15%, and 10%, respectively). Subdural effusions were present in 65% of the cases. A CSF leak was identified in all patients. The exact site of the CSF leak could be identified in 80% of cases. TBPI was performed with an average blood amount of 37.5 mL. A significant improvement of symptoms was reported in 90% of the cases. A total of 15% of the patients showed recurrent symptoms and underwent a second TBPI, resulting in symptom relief. No therapy-related complications were reported. TBPI is a safe and efficient treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension. It is performed in a minimally invasive procedure and can be repeated, if necessary, with a very low-risk profile.

Quality of Life in Patients With Confirmed and Suspected Spinal CSF Leaks.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a debilitating condition typically producing orthostatic headache limiting upright time. SIH is often difficult to diagnose and treat, negatively affecting quality of life (QoL) in patients with the disorder. We studied QoL in patients with confirmed and suspected SIH using standardized instruments, including suicidality. We performed a cross-sectional survey of adult patients with confirmed and clinically suspected SIH evaluated in our Headache and Facial Pain Program from 2016 to 2022. Using an online data collection tool (REDCap V 11.2.2), participants completed validated questionnaires assessing general well-being (SF-36), depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), spiritual well-being during chronic illness therapy (FACIT-Sp-12), and headache impact (HIT-6). Subsequently, we interviewed willing participants to administer the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) assessing suicidal behavior and ideation. A total of 234 patients met inclusion criteria and were invited to participate in the study, and 95 patients (59 confirmed and 36 clinically suspected) completed the questionnaires. The average age of the cohort was 51.1 years (SD: 15.5), predominantly female (69.5%), White (91.6%), and married (69.5%). Three-quarters (74.5%) scored within the most severe headache category (HIT-6). SF-36 scores were significantly inferior (p < 0.0001) to the general population and lower than reported values for patients with multiple sclerosis and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Almost half (49.1%) of respondents scored in the moderate depression range or worse (>10), and 25.4% scored with moderate anxiety or worse (>10). FACIT-Sp-12 scores were significantly worse (p < 0.0001) in symptomatic participants than in the validation cohorts of patients with AIDS and cancer. Of the 67 respondents who completed the C-SSRS, more than half (64.2%) endorsed a wish to be dead, and 22.4% had demonstrated suicidal behavior. Patients with symptom-free SIH (n = 22) scored significantly better than symptomatic patients, comparable with the general population. Based on our single-center cohort, SIH is associated with severe headache pain and high rates of depression, anxiety, and disability, affecting basic activities of daily living. Individuals with confirmed and suspected spinal CSF leaks scored similarly on these measures including suicidality. Outcomes were comparable with the general population after successful treatment or spontaneous remission. Improved identification and treatment of SIH are imperative to improve patients' QoL.

Clinical effect of cervical vs. targeted epidural blood patch in spontaneous intracranial hypotension with unclear leakage sites

Background and Aims: Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the most commonly used treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). EBP is generally targeted at the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage site; in unclear leakage sites, it is performed blindly in the lumbar region. Therefore, to investigate effectiveness of cervical EBP in SIH patients having unclear CSF leakage sites, we conducted a retrospective case control study to compare the effectiveness of cervical EBP for unclear leakage site and targeted EBP at leakage sites.&#x0D; Methodology: We reviewed the records of SIH patients who had undergone EBP at a single hospital. Patients were divided into Group CE (cervical EBP for unclear leakage site) and Group TE (targeted EBP at leakage site). the demographics, clinical characteristics, leakage site, EBP injection level, injected volume, and change in pain score (numeric rating scale [NRS]) were analysed for both groups.&#x0D; Results: We analysed 54 patients, with 13 and 41 patients in the CE and TE groups, respectively. EBP regions in the TE group included the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. There were no significant differences in demographic data between the groups. The baseline NRS scores for headache were 7.8 ± 0.9 and 7.7 ± 0.8 (P = 0.771); scores after EBP were 2.9 ± 1.7 and 2.2 ± 1.1 (P = 0.195) in groups CE and TE, respectively. NRS changes of 4.9 ± 2.0 and 5.6 ± 1.5 (P = 0.348) occurred in groups CE and TE, respectively. The mean blood volume in the CE group was 10.4 ml. Clinical effectiveness did not differ significantly between the groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cervical EBP is as effective as targeted EBP when the CSF leakage site is unclear. Therefore, cervical EBP is appropriate for SIH in patients with unclear CSF leakage.&#x0D; Abbreviations: CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid; EPB - Epidural Blood Patch; NRS - Numeric Rating Scale; SIH - Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension&#x0D; Key words: Epidural Blood Patch; Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension; Headache&#x0D; Citation: Ryu H, Lee HS, Kim H. Clinical effect of cervical vs. targeted epidural blood patch in spontaneous intracranial hypotension with unclear leakage sites. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(5):521−525; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i5.2307&#x0D; Received: July 07, 2023; Reviewed: August 28, 2023; Accepted: September 01, 2023

Successful Cervical Epidural Blood Patch as a Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension - A Case Report

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension can be a source of headache due to a continuous cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Case: A 33-year-old male patient with unremarkable history was presented with a headache, accompanying posterior neck stiffness and tinnitus lasting for 4 days. The opening pressure from cerebrospinal fluid tapping was 60mmH2O. Magnetic resonance imaging of the neck showed fluid collection at right C1-2 level, suggesting spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The headache did not respond to conservative treatments. Epidural blood patch was performed at C4-5 level. On postoperative day 1, remnant headache was only 20 percent and patient was discharged the day after. Conclusions: In spontaneous intracranial hypotension with leakage site at high cervical level, an epidural blood patch at a different cervical level can be safely performed to relieve the symptoms.

Recurrent Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) and the Durability of Repeat Epidural Blood Patch (EBP).

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) remains a rare and difficult clinical entity to diagnose and treat. Epidural blood patch (EBP) of the dural sac is the mainstay definitive treatment for refractory cases and has mixed efficacy. We sought to evaluate the recent efficacy and outcomes of EBP for SIH at our institution. Twenty-three patients (14 women, 9 men, mean age 49) were seen and treated for SIH between Summer 2009 and Spring 2018 at the same institution. All patients underwent brain MRI with and without gadolinium contrast and T2-weighted spine MRI.Targeted EBP was placed one or two vertebral levels below areas of suspected leak, while the patient was positioned in the lateral decubitus position. Patients were seen in the outpatient setting within a week following initial EBP and repeat EBP was offered to patients with persistent symptoms. Patients were followed if symptoms persisted or for 6 months following clinical relief of symptoms. 22/23 (95.7%) patients presented with complaints of orthostatic headache, and 3 (13%) patients presented with altered mental status (AMS) or focal neurologic deficit. Brain MRI demonstrated pachymeningeal enhancement in 16/23 (69.6%) patients, and 5/23 (21.7%) patients had a subdural hematoma (SDH) present. Dural leaks were successfully identified in 18/23 (78.3%) patients. 12/23 (52.2%) patients had symptomatic relief with initial EBP, and 5/23 (21.7%) patients received further EBPs for persistent disease with all achieving relief after repeat EBP. 5/12 (41.7%) of patients had recurrent symptoms after initial relief with EBP, and 4/5 (80%) were successfully treated with a second EBP. The mean initial EBP volume and number of EBPs per patient were 21.7 mL (median 20 mL, 7-40 mL) and 3.54 (median 1, 1-13) respectively. There was one complication from initial EBP (cervical dural tear requiring operative closure) treated with open surgical management successfully. In total, 18/23 (78.2%) patients are currently asymptomatic with regard to their SIH. The mean follow-up in this cohort was 2.6 years (median 1.8 years, 1.8 months-9.27 years). EBP is a viable and effective option for the treatment of recurrent SIH caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Treated with Epidural Blood Patch: A Case Report

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition caused by spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, resulting in orthostatic headache as the main symptom, but other symptoms such as memory loss, nausea, and tinnitus may also be present. Various imaging techniques are used to diagnose SIH, with magnetic resonance imaging myelography being an important tool for detecting the leakage site of CSF. Conservative treatments including hydration, bed rest, and intravenous caffeine have been tried with limited success. Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the most commonly performed treatment for SIH after the failure of conservative management. There are different opinions about the EBP procedure (e.g., blind EBP vs. targeted EBP). This report describes the treatment of SIH with targeted EBP according to imaging diagnosis after the failure of initial blind lumbar EBP.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome characterized by disabling orthostatic headache, due to reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume probably caused by a CSF fistula. It affects mostly women of working-age, although it is probably underdiagnosed. The aim of this article is to present a practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of SIH. After a description of its symptoms and signs, we present a step-by-step approach to the confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment, considering different clinical scenarios. This is intended to guide clinical decision making, through a systematized and individualized management, aimed at the best interest of the patient.

Surgical management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome: a literature review.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a highly disabling but often misdiagnosed disorder. The optimal management options for patients with SIH remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to review studies reporting the management of SIH with a special emphasis on the surgical treatment of SIH including clinical trials, case series and case reports related to the issue of various neurosurgical procedures performed for SIH treatment. The clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with SIH treated with either only surgery or with surgery as the primary method of treatment were analysed. The PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched according to the established criteria. The literature search revealed seven clinical trials, five case series and eight case reports regarding surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with SIH. Manuscripts reporting at least five individuals treated surgically for SIH were considered as case series. In most published articles, surgery provided clinical benefit, resulting in a success rate of 82.6-100% for complete relief of SIH symptoms. Our literature review has revealed that SIH can be diagnosed reliably by MRI and cisternography. The identification of the location of SIH is mandatory for its successful surgical treatment. The clinical outcome is related to the location of SIH in the spinal canal. Most often, cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurs in the thoracic region. Surgical treatment is very effective and the obtained treatment results are complete and permanent. of the location of SIH is mandatory for its successful surgical treatment. The clinical outcome is related to the location of SIH in the spinal canal. Most often, cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurs in the thoracic region. Surgical treatment is very effective and the obtained treatment results are complete and permanent.

Quality of Life in Patients with Confirmed and Suspected Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (P3-12.002)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To assess the impact of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) on quality-of-life (QoL). <h3>Background:</h3> SIH is a debilitating condition that typically produces orthostatic headache and limits upright time. It is often difficult to detect, diagnose, and treat, profoundly affecting patients’ QoL. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with confirmed (n=59) and clinically suspected (n=36) SIH evaluated from 2016 to 2022. Participants completed the following validated measurements online (REDCap V 11.2.2): SF-36 (general well-being), PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), FACIT-Sp-12 (spiritual well-being), and HIT-6 (headache impact). Subsequently, willing participants were interviewed to administer the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) assessing suicidal behavior and ideation. <h3>Results:</h3> 95 of 234 patients (41%) meeting inclusion criteria completed the questionnaires. The average age was 51.1 years (SD: 15.5), predominantly female (69.5%), Caucasian (91.6%), and married (69.5%). 74.5% scored within the most severe headache category on the HIT-6. SF-36 scores were significantly worse (p &lt; 0.0001) compared to the general population. 49.1% scored in the moderate or worse depression range (&gt;10) and 25.4% scored for moderate or worse anxiety (&gt;10). FACIT scores strongly correlated (p&lt;0.001) with HIT-6 (−.54), SF-36 Mental Component (r=.66), PHQ-9 (r=−.65) and GAD-7 (r=−.65). 67 respondents completed the C-SSRS of whom 64.2% had endorsed a wish to be dead, and 22.4% had demonstrated suicidal behavior. Symptom-free SIH patients (n = 22) scored significantly better than symptomatic patients and similar to the general population. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> SIH is associated with severe headache pain and high rates of depression, anxiety, and disability, affecting basic activities of daily living. Individuals with confirmed and suspected SIH had similar levels of head pain, depression, anxiety and suicidality in our cohort. Symptom-free individuals following successful treatment or spontaneous remission showed improved outcomes comparable to the general population. Improved identification and treatment of SIH are imperative to improving patients’ QoL. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Liaw has nothing to disclose. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Allergan/Abbvie. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Eli Lilly. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Impel. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Lundbeck. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Teva. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Zosano. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Satsuma. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Collegium Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Teva. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Lundbeck. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Impel. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Neurology Reviews. Dr. Friedman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for MedLink Neurology . The institution of Dr. Friedman has received research support from Zosano. The institution of Dr. Friedman has received research support from Allergan. The institution of Dr. Friedman has received research support from Spinal CSF Leak Foundation. Dr. Friedman has a non-compensated relationship as a Program Co-Chair, Scottsdale Headache Symposium with American Headache Society that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Friedman has a non-compensated relationship as a Medical Advisor with Spinal CSF Leak Foundation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Mr. McCreary has nothing to disclose.

Continuous Epidural Saline Infusion for the Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an increasingly recognized cause of orthostatic headache, but treatment strategies remain controversial. The epidural blood patch is a well-known and widely used treatment in patients with conservative treatment-resistant SIH, but symptoms may not improve even after multiple epidural blood patches, and resistant patients suffer from a lack of appropriate treatment options. Therefore, this study assessed the safety and efficacy of continuous epidural saline infusion (CESI) for SIH treatment. CESI was performed in 11 consecutive patients affected by conservative treatment-resistant SIH. Patient characteristics were obtained by reviewing medical records retrospectively. Headache intensity was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS), and changes in NRS before and after treatment were recorded. The average treatment period for CESI was 21.3±9.6days, and the average follow-up period was 35.0±30.2months. CESI was without major complications or mortality, and no infections occurred, even without prophylactic antibiotics. The median NRS score before treatment was 10 points, improving to 5 points 1day after infusion (P < 0.05), 2 points 1week after infusion (P < 0.05), and 0 points at 3months after infusion and the final follow-up. No patients have since experienced recurrence of orthostatic headaches. CESI appears to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure for SIH. Further experience may demonstrate this technique to be a viable treatment option for SIH.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: updates from diagnosis to treatment.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, which result in continued loss of CSF volume and multiple debilitating clinical manifestations. The estimated annual incidence of SIH is 5/100,000. Diagnostic methods have evolved in recent years due to improved understanding of pathophysiology and implementation of advanced myelographic techniques. Here, we synthesize recent updates and contextualize them in an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of SIH, highlighting basic principles and points of practice variability or continued debate. This discussion includes finer points of SIH diagnosis, CSF leak classification systems, less common types and variants of CSF leaks, brain MRI Bern scoring, potential SIH complications, key technical considerations, and positioning strategies for different types of dynamic myelography. The roles of conservative measures, non-targeted or targeted blood patches, surgery, and recently developed endovascular techniques are presented.

Cervical epidural blood patch in spontaneous intracranial hypotension: A case report

Background: Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) results from a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid volume without any iatrogenic cause and presents most commonly with orthostatic headache. Cervical dural tears are an uncommon cause of SIH. Cervical epidural blood patch has been successfully used in many developed countries for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension after failure of conservative management

Survey of healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding spontaneous intracranial hypotension

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, web-based survey of multiple healthcare professional groups...

Epidural Blood Patching in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension—Do we Really Seal the Leak?

PurposeEpidural blood patch (EBP) is a minimally invasive treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Follow-up after EBP primarily relies on clinical presentation and data demonstrating successful sealing of the underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the rate of successfully sealed spinal CSF leaks in SIH patients after non-targeted EBP.MethodsPatients with SIH and a confirmed spinal CSF leak who had been treated with non-targeted EBP were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome was persistence of CSF leak on spine MRI or intraoperatively. Secondary outcome was change in clinical symptoms after EBP.ResultsIn this study 51 SIH patients (mean age, 47 ± 13 years; 33/51, 65% female) treated with non-targeted EBP (mean, 1.3 EBPs per person; range, 1–4) were analyzed. Overall, 36/51 (71%) patients had a persistent spinal CSF leak after EBP on postinterventional imaging and/or intraoperatively. In a best-case scenario accounting for missing data, the success rate of sealing a spinal CSF leak with an EBP was 29%. Complete or substantial symptom improvement in the short term was reported in 45/51 (88%), and in the long term in 17/51 (33%) patients.ConclusionNon-targeted EBP is an effective symptomatic treatment providing short-term relief in a substantial number of SIH patients; however, successful sealing of the underlying spinal CSF leak by EBP is rare, which might explain the high rate of delayed symptom recurrence. The potentially irreversible and severe morbidity associated with long-standing intracranial hypotension supports permanent closure of the leak.