Rare neurological disorder successfully treated at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool
Doctors at KIMS Hospitals, Kurnool, have successfully treated a 61-year-old man suffering from a rare neurological condition caused by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, helping him recover after a prolonged and critical illness.
Kurnool: Doctors at KIMS Hospitals, Kurnool, have successfully treated a 61-year-old man suffering from a rare neurological condition caused by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, helping him recover after a prolonged and critical illness.
According to Dr. N. Sumanth Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, the patient, Srinivasulu, a resident of Kurnool, had undergone two surgeries for recurrent blood clots over the surface of the brain. However, his condition continued to worsen despite treatment.
Following a detailed evaluation, doctors identified a tear in the protective covering of the upper spinal cord, which had resulted in continuous leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The leak caused an abnormal reduction in intracranial pressure, leading to a rare condition known as cerebral hypotension.
Dr. Sumanth Kumar said the condition is difficult to diagnose and treat because of its rarity and the complexity of the underlying pathology.
Initially, the medical team attempted to seal the leak through three Epidural Blood Patch procedures. As the patient did not show adequate improvement, doctors proceeded with an open dural tear repair surgery.
Locating the exact site of the tear proved challenging. The prolonged CSF leak had caused marked enlargement of veins surrounding the spinal cord, resulting in significant bleeding during surgery. Despite these difficulties, the surgical team was able to control the bleeding and successfully repair the defect, the doctors said.
The patient remained in hospital for nearly a month, including 23 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Prolonged immobilisation and inability to take food orally for several days posed additional risks, including malnutrition and pressure sores.
Although the patient’s condition improved immediately after surgery, it deteriorated unexpectedly the following day. He was subsequently managed with continuous monitoring and intensive supportive care.
The patient gradually recovered and was able to speak for the first time after 25 days. Following removal of the tracheostomy tube, he resumed oral feeding and eventually regained the ability to walk independently.
Doctors said the successful outcome was made possible through the coordinated efforts of specialists from Neurosurgery, Neurology, Anaesthesia, Interventional Radiology, Radiology and Critical Care departments, supported by nursing and allied healthcare teams.
The case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and multidisciplinary care in the management of rare and complex neurological disorders, Dr. Sumanth Kumar said.
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