Hello,

I’m scheduled for a blood patch in 2 days for a spontaneous csf leak. Started 2 months ago, though felt sensation of ear muffling in the winter. MRI done first showed most leakage in thoracic region. Headaches were entirely positional and also had ear muffling, photosensitivity and pain behind my eyes. After 3 weeks of rest/caffeine with some improvement I had a CT myelogram which showed significant improvement in my leak, but still low pressure. Also showed a small bone spur at T1 where most of the leak was, but radiologist wouldn’t say that this was a cause. Interestingly the CT myelogram almost seemed to mimic a blood patch and I’ve had complete resolution of my positional headaches. I had some head sensitivity that lingered for a couple of weeks and now that seems to be cleared up. My main symptom now is constant changes in the pressure within my ears. Sometimes it feels like they are draining and other times plugged and it’s not always resolved by lying down. I also get some ear crackling directly after “popping” my ears in the morning after lying down all night. Some sensitivity to sound remains.

My question is, has anyone else experienced ear symptoms even after they weren’t leaking or is it possible I still have a very slow leak? Do they take an opening pressure when they do the blood patch to confirm you are still low before injecting the blood? I’m afraid of causing more damage when I’m feeling so well otherwise. Also, would it be possible to return to work 6 days after the blood patch. I work 12 hour days as a nurse and have not worked since this all started.

Thanks I’m advance!