[chriscross]

Too little CSF leads to the brain crushing itself under gravity. The brain is almost entirely lipids which contributes to its buoyancy in CSF. Take away too much CSF, nothing for it to float in. Too much CSF? The skull is a fixed volume (in adults) so the CSF compresses the brain tissue. In kids, the sutures or junctions between bones of the skull are still flexible. This allows for childbirth and normal rapid brain growth. It’s easy to tell if there too much fluid around the brain in a newborn because their front soft spot (Fontanelle) will bulge or become firm. A bulging fontanelle also occurs with other pathologies like meningitis.

[treeman79]

Had a spinal leak after a spinal tap. So too little fluid. It’s a very unique pain.

Severe pain at top of head unless laying flat.

I spent an entire week laying flat on a couch with a happy cat sitting on my chest.

Initial treatment was an IV of caffeine. Then they they had to patch the hole.

[xvedejas]

I'm going through this right now. 3 trips to the ER to get a diagnosis, since it just happened spontaneously. Two months so far laying flat 20+ hours a day. I haven't been able to see a neurologist yet about it (I have an appointment scheduled soon now). For me, the headache is usually nearer the bottom of my head, but it tends to move around with different posture.

[tempestn]

This random stranger hopes you get to see the neurologist and hopefully get it resolved soon!

[DrScump]

>Initial treatment was an IV of caffeine.

For you, or for the cat?

[rsyring]

HA!...thank you for that! :)

[mitjam]

Had the same also after a tap, went away after 5 months without a patch. Only things that helped was laying flat and coffein (less so than laying flat). A hard part of it was thinking it might never go away. Doctors told me to wait 6 months before trying a patch and they said it only works sometimes.

[treeman79]

Ouch. Mine offered the next day. I waited a week before going back and getting one.

[tsol]

I've heard not having enough CSF is supposed to be one of the most painful headaches there are. How bad was it?

[treeman79]

Fine if I was flat. A step below severe kidney stone otherwise. So not quite suicidal, but close.

It was only tolerable Because I could lay flat and the pain would quickly resolve. If I laid flat for three or four hours I could stand up for about five minutes before the symptoms hit again.

Not sure how strong the leak was. I suppose it could have been worse.

[tsol]

Interesting. Fascinating how you can go a lifetime without noticing CSF but one thing goes wrong and suddenly you can't even stand up. Good to hear you got better

[dhmallon]

If there is too little CSF (e.g. a CSF leak), the brain 'slumps' but it doesn't "crush itself under gravity".

Too much CSF can lead to hydrocephalus, which is enlargement of the ventricles. I wouldn't describe it as CSF "compressing" the brain tissue.