New Delhi: A shocking incident unfolded in the Bandra area of Mumbai when Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his residence during the early hours of January 16th. The 54-year-old, at around 2.30 am, was stabbed six times by an intruder during a burglary attempt. The actor was attacked while protecting Jehangir, his three-year-old son. He was then rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he was operated upon. Three doctors led the surgery and revealed that out of the six, three wounds were deep – one close to the spine, one in the neck, and one in the hand. Khan’s right shoulder, neck, wrist and elbow of the left hand were injured. He also sustained an injury in his thoracic spine due to a lost knife in the spine and it resulted in leaking of the cerebrospinal fluid. The surgery was executed successfully and the actor is now stable.
What happens when cerebrospinal fluid leaks?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Showkat Nazir Wani, Department of Neurology at Sharda Hospital, explained what happens when cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
“Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless liquid that protects and supports the brain and spinal cord. The choroid plexuses in the brain make it, and it moves through the brain’s ventricles, the spinal canal, and the area around the brain. CSF has many important functions. It protects the brain and spinal cord from injuries by working as a cushion, provides nutrients, clears out waste, and lightens the brain’s weight to stop sensitive neural parts from being pressed,” said Dr Wani.
A CSF leak happens when fluid seeps out of a tear or hole in the dura mater, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This may happen on its own or as a result of spinal taps, trauma, or surgery. Symptoms often include severe, positional headaches that worsen when standing and improve when lying down, clear nasal or ear discharge, neck stiffness, nausea, and sensitivity to light. Untreated CSF leaks with lowered CSF pressure can result in brain sagging, incapacitating symptoms like excruciating headaches, neurological deficits, and meningitis, where bacteria enter the central nervous system.
Treatment for a CSF leak is determined by its severity. To alleviate symptoms, conservative treatments such as rest, hydration, and caffeine consumption are recommended. More persistent leaks may necessitate medical intervention, such as an epidural blood patch to stop the leak, or surgical repair for larger tears. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent severe complications and restore normal CSF function.
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