A 50-year-old patient suffering from a severe headache for nearly a month was successfully treated at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, after doctors diagnosed a rare neurological condition. The patient’s headache became worse while sitting or standing and improved on lying down. Further investigations revealed a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) near the neck. Instead of surgery, neurologists treated the patient successfully with an epidural blood patch procedure.

Mr. Manoj Gupta (50), a resident of Taloja, had been experiencing severe headaches for the past month. Initially, the pain occurred only when he stood or sat and improved while lying down. However, after a few days, the headache became constant. The pain was rated 8–9 out of 10, making it difficult for him to perform daily activities or concentrate.

A brain scan showed a subdural hematoma (blood collection around the brain), and surgery was initially advised. However, after carefully reviewing his medical history, examination findings, and scans, the doctors found that the blood collection was not the main cause of the headache. Instead, they diagnosed a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the spinal cord, which had reduced the pressure around the brain and caused the symptoms.

Further testing, including CSF pressure manometry, confirmed that the pressure of the brain fluid was very low. Additional imaging showed that the leak was located near the cervical spine (neck region). Under the guidance of Dr. Pawan Ojha and Dr. Suranjana Basak, neurologists at Medicover Hospital, the patient underwent an epidural blood patch procedure on June 26.

In this procedure, a small amount of the patient’s own blood is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord using a special catheter. The patient is placed in a Trendelenburg position (head lower than the body), allowing the blood to reach the leak in the neck and seal it naturally.

Within a few hours of the procedure, the patient’s headache reduced significantly. By the next day, his pain score had dropped from 8–9 to just 1–2 out of 10, and over the next few days, the headache disappeared completely. Follow-up scans also showed that the subdural hematoma was gradually shrinking.

Dr. Pawan Ojha, Neurologist, Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, said, “A headache that worsens while standing and improves on lying down should not always be considered a migraine or stress-related headache. It could be caused by a rare condition called Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) due to a CSF leak. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help patients recover completely.”

Dr. Suranjana Basak, Neurologist, Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, said, “An epidural blood patch is one of the most effective treatments for a CSF leak. It helps seal the leak and provides quick relief from symptoms. People should not ignore persistent headaches, especially if they worsen in certain body positions.”

Doctors added that timely diagnosis and expert treatment can successfully manage rare neurological conditions and prevent serious complications. Patients recovering from a CSF leak are advised to drink plenty of fluids, avoid heavy physical activity and lifting heavy weights, avoid frequent bending, and take proper rest as advised by their doctor.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Manoj Gupta said, “I was very scared because of the severe headache. When I came to Medicover Hospital in Kharghar, I finally found hope. The doctors treated me successfully without surgery and gave me a new lease on life. My headache is completely gone, and I can now live a normal and healthy life. I am grateful to the entire Medicover Hospital team.”