Recovery and long-term outcome after neurosurgical closure of spinal CSF leaks in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Surgical closure of spinal CSF leaks significantly improves the impact of headaches in the long term. At least three months should be expected for recovery. Despite permanent closure of the CSF-leak, a quarter of patients still have relevant long-term impairment, indicating the need for further research on its cause and possible treatment.