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Northwestern Medicine Spinal CSF Leak Program

Northwestern Medicine Spinal CSF Leak Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers patients clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Spinal CSF leaks.

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Expert Care for Spinal CSF Leaks

Northwestern Medicine Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers patients clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal CSF leaks.

For those cases when a CSF leak does not heal after conservative treatment, the care of a skilled specialist is paramount to correct diagnosis, pinpointing the leak’s location and determining appropriate treatment. As one of few dedicated CSF leak treatment programs in the country, our program brings together a multidisciplinary care team that specializes in CSF leaks, as well as neurological conditions that can cause them.

Your care team includes specialists in:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Appointments and Referrals

To speak directly to a member of the Spinal CSF Leak Program team, please call 312.926.3185.

Meet the Spinal CSF Leak Expert Team

Team of Northwestern Medicine surgeons working in the OR

At Northwestern Medicine, our clinic integrates experts in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery and neurointerventional techniques, who can ensure that our patients receive the most advanced treatments.

Meet the Spinal CSF Leak Expert Team

What is a Spinal CSF Leak?

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak happens when brain fluid leaks through the coverings of the nervous system.

read the csf leak patient guide

Day of Your Appointment

You may be asked to bring medical records, reports and images with you on the day of your first appointment.

prepare for your appointment

Spinal CSF Leak FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks, causes, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments.

read the CSF leak FAQ

Traveling for Your Care

Each year thousands of patients from around the world travel to Chicago to receive their care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

traveling to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for care
Locations & Contact Information
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    Spinal CSF Leak Patient Guide

    The most common cause of intracranial hypotension is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

    read the CSF leak patient guide