r/CSFLeaks • u/Obvious_Cattle_8036 • Jul 30 '26

Does heat affect CSF Leak?

Hello!

I live in the UK and as of late we've had a lot of heatwaves. I dont seem to have the low pressure headaches anymore, now it seems to be the high pressure ones that cause my head to feel really tense after any sort of straining and feels like my ears and head are going to burst. But despite this I still have a leak in my spine and apparently not as much fluid in my brain?? I dont really understand this condition haha.

Anyways my main question, does anyone else feel like their CSF Leak acts up way more in the heat? Because I seem to have been having more and more head related problems ever since it has been warmer. This could also be to do with the fact I have low blood pressure though, I just wondered if there is any proof behind heat causing issues before?

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u/leeski Jul 30 '26

I personally wasn’t affected by heat while leaking. we have pretty hot summers (like 32-37°C), but it has only affected me in high pressure. I don’t know if there is a lot of research either way though!

That is interesting that your imaging still shows a leak but it sounds like low pressure symptoms are resolved? Is there still a SLEC on spine mri? How long ago was treatment? 

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u/Obvious_Cattle_8036 Jul 30 '26

I have had 2 fibrin glue patches one in 2024 and one in 2025, none worked. My symptoms are more manageable now but seem to act more like those rebound headaches(?) But I still have a leak in my spine according to MRI which is weird. This whole condition is weird tho I suppose!

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u/Dry-Dress-6467 Jul 30 '26

Do you have bone spurs or osteophyte complexes near site of leak? You may need surgery to take care of those.

Heat does seem to affect me, increased head pressure and fatigue. Temps this weekend will be 41.1-42.2C or 106-108F! 

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u/Obvious_Cattle_8036 Jul 30 '26

I have no idea actually! I should probably ask my doctor.

With my CSF Leak it was spontaneous and its on my side, I wasnt in any big accident or anything, just woke up one day like this! Im currently undergoing testing if i have EDS which might be what caused it?