Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Post-Lumbar Puncture: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Post-Lumbar Puncture: A Narrative Review

Elmukhtar Habas¹, Khaled Alarbi², Amnna Rayani³, Ala Habas⁴, Eshrak Habas⁴, Kalifa Farfar⁵, Aml Habas⁶, Almehdi Errayes⁷, Khawla Alzaitoni⁸, Gamal Alfitori⁷

Keywords: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Lumbar Puncture (LP), Complication of LP, Headache, CSF Leak.

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0074

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0074

Publish Date: 22-05-2025

Pages: 105 - 116

Views: 4

Downloads: 10

Author Affiliation:

1 Professor/Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Prof of Internal Medicine, Qatar University, Doha-Qatar, Open Libyan University, Libya
2 Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha-Qatar
3 Professor/Senior Consultant, Tripoli Children Hospital, Open Libyan University, Tripoli-Libya,
4 Resident, Department of Medicine, Tripoli Central Hospital, University of Tripoli, Tripoli-Libya
5 Consultant, Department of Medicine, Alwakra General Hospital, Alwakra-Qatar
6 Specialist, Tripoli Children Hospital, Open Libyan University, Tripoli-Libya
7 Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha-Qatar
8 Specialist, Pediatric and Child Healthcare Department, Rayhan Medical Complex, Doha-Qatar.

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is critical in maintaining brain interstitial fluid balance and providing hydromechanical protection. Lumbar puncture (LP) is a common invasive procedure for obtaining CSF samples to evaluate central nervous system infections and cancers and measure intracranial pressure. While LP is generally considered safe, it is associated with both minor and major complications. Post-LP meningitis occurs in approximately 50% of spinal anesthesia cases and 9% of diagnostic LPs. Additionally, over 70% of diagnostic LPs result in minor bleeding, which can lead to serious outcomes such as spinal epidural hematoma, nerve damage, or paralysis. Significant consequences of LP include headaches and hearing loss; however, other rare complications, such as cerebral herniation and CSF leak syndrome, must be considered carefully. This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies published in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, highlighting the need for further research on the complications and interventions related to this commonly performed procedure.