Disturbed Consciousness and Coma: Diagnosis and Management of Intracranial Hypotension Caused by a Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

The diagnosis and treatment of intracranial hypotension associated with a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, especially in comatose patients, have yet to be established. Clinical manifestations, neuroimaging findings, and treatment outcomes in 11 patients (Glasgow Coma Scale score 10 ± 4) were described and compared with 36 patients with normal consciousness. Patients with disturbed consciousness were diagnosed at a significantly older age (55 ± 11 years; P < 0.001) than those without (42 ± 8.8 years). Neuroimaging findings in patients with disturbed consciousness were characterized by a smaller midbrain–pons angle (7.8 ± 10°; P < 0.001), brainstem swelling (122%; P = 0.002), and thicker subdural hematomas (16 ± 7.0 mm°; P < 0.001). Epidural blood patch (EBP) alone did not achieve sustained improvements in patients with disturbed consciousness but did in most patients without (94%; P = 0.001). Over the treatment course, 5 patients progressed to coma, which correlated with a high signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the brainstem. Hematoma drainage before EBP caused neurologic deterioration in 2 patients. Simultaneous EBP after hematoma drainage achieved sustained improvements in 5 of 6 patients. Simultaneous microsurgical dural repair after hematoma drainage achieved more rapid improvements in 3 of 3 patients. Among patients with intracranial hypotension caused by a spinal CSF leak, disturbed consciousness may occur in elderly patients because of severe diencephalic-mesencephalic deformities. Simultaneous EBP after safe hematoma drainage is indicated for these patients. Alternatively, dural repair is indicated for patients for whom the spinal level of dural disease has been identified. Hematoma drainage before EBP is not recommended because it caused deterioration. •Patients with intracranial hypotension commonly present with orthostatic headaches.•Although most patients have a benign course, some progress to disturbed consciousness.•Imaging features and treatment strategies were presented based on 11 cases.•Key features were diencephalic-mesencephalic deformities and subdural hematomas.•Simultaneous epidural blood patch after hematoma drainage had a good outcome.