Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/7/2009

Question

One year and 4 months ago after a spinal anesthesia, three days later I developed lethargy, severe dizziness and brain fog, had problems focusing my eyes and tinnitus. No headache

two weeks ago I got a blood patch because my ENT said he thought my dizziness was due to a CSF leak and this was not ear related.

symptoms improved. I noticed my eyesight improving and my brain fogginess as well. The dizziness did too but is still there. If the whole would have heal the dizziness would have disappeared as well or could it be my ears adjusting even though my symptoms still seem positional. dizziness improves laying down and increase when I'm up.

thank you for your input in this matter

Answer
Hi Diana
Yours is an interesting case and I'm glad your ENT specialist thought this through and considered the possibility of a dural leak as the cause. However this is new territory as we don't see many people like yourself presenting at 1 year after the spinal. I'm glad that your fogginess and eyesight has improved and I hope this is maintained. Hopefully the dizziness will settle over time.
I can't offer much advice but would say if the other symptoms have improved then this is a good sign that the patch has worked. Time will tell - if you remain improved after 4-6 weeks then I'd say it is likely that the hole has sealed.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson