# Can an MRI tell if you have a CSF leak?

**URL:** <https://forum.chiarisupport.org/t/can-an-mri-tell-if-you-have-a-csf-leak/2416>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [November 3, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.chiarisupport.org/t/can-an-mri-tell-if-you-have-a-csf-leak/2416 "2012-11-03T17:31:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jenutny](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.chiarisupport.org/jenutny/32/956_2.png) [@Jenutny](https://forum.chiarisupport.org/u/Jenutny)\
**Post date:** [November 3, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.chiarisupport.org/t/can-an-mri-tell-if-you-have-a-csf-leak/2416/1 "2012-11-03T17:31:35Z")

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This is my be a stupid question, but can an MRI tell if you have a leak? I have had some fluid on the back of my head, and in the morning, I wake up with semi dry clumps of puss in my hair (I know gross) where my scar is..I am not sure if its just from where I had my stiches and it is still healing...or if it is a leak. I have an MRI for a syrinx on the 7th, but was wondering if it could tell this also. I have had a few bad headaches again, but I think they are migraines,,,,and my neck is still sore.... I am 4 months out!

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![TracyZ](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.chiarisupport.org/tracyz/32/609_2.png) [@TracyZ](https://forum.chiarisupport.org/u/TracyZ)\
**Post date:** [November 4, 2012, 2:56am UTC](https://forum.chiarisupport.org/t/can-an-mri-tell-if-you-have-a-csf-leak/2416/2 "2012-11-04T02:56:04Z")

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Yes it can. You are a little past a CSF Leak stage. The clumpy gross stuff lasts for a while especially if you had staples. The MRI will definitely tell you if you are having a CFS Leak. Call your NS anyway & get their opinion. Did you have a Duraplasty ? if so do you know what they used as a patch?

Tracy Z.