When retired nurse Rose Kruze began experiencing severe headaches, she was unaware that these could be indicative of a far graver issue.
"The pain is throbbing so intensely in my head — I can barely form thoughts," she explained.
I went from being highly active to becoming completely inactive, spending my days lying in bed.
The grandmother from Townsville attributed her discomfort to either sinus problems or stress, finding momentary ease through the use of ice packs and caffeine.
However, after six weeks, the intense headaches grew unbearable.
It transpired that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was escaping through a small opening in the 63-year-old's spinal cord.
The leakage resulted in intracranial hypotension, a situation characterized by unusually low pressure within the cranium.
"As the brain sits suspended in fluid," stated Townsville-based neurosurgeon Ramon Navarlo.
If you remove the liquid from underneath, the brain will droop, potentially causing various headaches.
'Private investigator job'
It is thought to impact approximately five out of every 100,000 individuals; however, many believe the actual figure may be significantly greater.
Doctor Navarro mentioned that this condition tends to be significantly under-recognized since these leakages prove extremely difficult to detect.
"It's a little bit like a private investigator job to find the leak that's causing all these problems," he said.
Following multiple scans and examinations, physicians identified the cause of Ms Kruze's headaches — a tiny hole that was continuously draining fluid into the spinal canal.
Interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Muhammad Usman Manzoor guided a catheter up from her leg vein and employed specialized adhesive to seal the opening.
He thinks that the surgery, carried out at the Townsville University Hospital in November of last year, marked a first for Queensland.
"As soon as we sealed that fistula, we were certain it would be an immediate cure for the condition," stated Dr Manzoor.
The process was more minimally invasive compared to other treatment options, resulting in Ms Kruze staying just one night at the hospital.
She now has her life restored and possesses the vitality to stay abreast of her eight grandchildren.
'Such a rare diagnosis'
Medical professionals think that due to insufficient awareness about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, numerous additional patients could be enduring symptoms without seeking help.
Dr Manzoor mentioned that the reason for the majority of leaks remained unidentified.
"As it is an uncommon condition, individuals might experience symptoms for numerous months or even years without receiving a proper diagnosis," he explained.
Ms Kruze found comfort in a Facebook group consisting of other people who refer to themselves as "leakers."
"They've discovered many instances where doctors didn’t take their concerns seriously, prescribed numerous medications, or suggested surgeries, leaving them with difficulties," she explained.
I am extremely grateful that my doctors treated it with seriousness and stated, 'We will locate it.'
This is quite genuine and extremely disabling.
