Symptom 10: Fatigue: The Exhausting Side of CSFL
Fatigue, or a constant sense of tiredness and lack of energy, is a symptom that often accompanies a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This isn’t just about feeling sleepy after a long day. It’s a profound exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and can be debilitating.
When a CSF leak occurs, it leads to a reduction in the fluid volume. This can result in lowered brain buoyancy and increased nerve sensitivity, both of which can contribute to feelings of fatigue.
People with a CSF leak might find themselves feeling drained, with even minor tasks seeming to require monumental effort. This fatigue can be both physical, making movements feel heavy, and mental, causing a lack of focus or sluggish thinking.
The fatigue is often disproportionate to the level of activity, making it difficult for the individual to maintain their usual work, social, or personal routines. This can lead to feelings of frustration and impact their overall wellbeing. (10)
