CSF Leak Database, Sponsored by BNF

Barrow Neurological Institute Database for Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

The purpose of this study is to create a database of clinical features and imaging data from patients seen at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) with a diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). The database will help determine which clinical features and imaging can best assist in the diagnosis of SIH and which treatment methods are most effective. SIH is a condition in which the fluid pressure inside the skull is lower than normal. SIH often causes headaches and can extremely limit a person’s activities, movements, and senses.   

A common cause of SIH is Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) leakage but CSF leakage is not always the main cause. Some individuals undergo unnecessary imaging scans and procedures that can lead to months or years without proper diagnosis and treatment. We think creating this database will eliminate any unnecessary imaging scans and procedures and speed up diagnosis and treatment, and potentially lead to an improvement in patient quality of life. 

The researchers expect to enroll up to 200 participants who were seen in the BNI clinic in the past 5 years and 100 participants per year who are or will be seen in the BNI clinic in the future.