Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a condition in which the fluid pressure or volume inside the skull is lower than normal due to a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak--a hole, tear, or defect in the tissue that surrounds the spinal cord. Leaks can occur due to medical procedure, injury, or many other known or unknown causes.
The overall prevalence of spinal CSF leaks is unknown due to widespread misdiagnosis and lack of awareness but it can occur at any age or sex (though more common in females and in middle age). Diagnostic technique and interpretation are specialized.
Intracranial hypertension (IH) or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition in which CSF pressure inside the skull is higher than normal. IH can be acute (for example, as a result of injury or stroke) or chronic. There are many potential causes for IIH including illness, infection, tumor, the cause can be unknown, or it can occur secondary to another condition.
IIH can occur at any age or sex (though more common in females and in middle age).
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system, which controls most of the body's functions. Intracranial pressure must be maintained to protect CNS function, and CSF and blood flow must be maintained to avoid pressure issues. CSF pressure and blood flow issues can be aggravated by injury, anatomy, degeneration, stenosis, bone spurs, cysts, and more.
The connections between intracranial pressure issues, blood flow issues, and chronic illness continue to grow.
Find information on brain basics and research and publications on each of these conditions on the Research page.
Find graphics, videos, and resources on the Resources page.
Tips for managing spinal CSF leak symptoms while awaiting treatment and tips for managing high intracranial pressure from IIH or RIH.