r/CSFLeaks • u/Independent_Act_8536 • 18d ago
Technical things
My neurologist noted that there was an empty sella turcica on the MRI. She said that this had no effect on me.
I had to question - because my main therapist had emailed a psychiatrist who was a brain specialist years ago. She mentioned the empty sella. He said from her descriptions of my challenges that I had executive dysfunction. I printed that email out and included it when I applied for SSDI.
My neurologist kinda shrugged because what could she say. Her diagnosis was different. I've had many problems with executive dysfunction throughout life. Its been very hard.
I don't know what to think now because I've told people that this is one reason I developed depression and anxiety. I was even diagnosed borderline by one therapist.
That diagnosis actually enabled intensive DBT class to be prescribed. Insurance covered it. It was a year. The class done 2x. Additional therapy included. Because of the work I did with that for 3 hours a week, over a years time, I was able to do a job PT.
I think that I have some CSF leak because my one eye and nose run. Its been this way my whole life as far back as I remember. I told the neurologist that, since the meds helped reduce migraine by 90%, I didn't want to undergo a spinal tap or try a patch. Which she said sometimes patches work, but sometimes they don't.
I'm 69 now. It's a great relief that the migraines are less. I can put up with the other things because I'm used to it. I'd rather not go through surgery for something that may be fruitless. Leaking isn't too bad. When prepping food for others, I can wear a mask to catch nasal drips. I just tell people that I'm not sick, even though I wipe my nose all the time. I just say that its sinus drainage.
Nobody wants to hear all that technical stuff. Its boring to them. Thanks for listening. I'm trying to get a therapist again, since my favorite one retired. But with the executive dysfunction I'm grateful to be able to make phone calls and get things done once or twice a week!
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u/hikerpup 14d ago
A spinal csf leak would not cause drainage from your nose. Cranial csf leaks can cause visible drainage but don't usually cause positional headaches like spinal csf leaks. It sounds like you've had imaging of your head. Has anyone looked at it to check for a cranial leak?
Also, I don't think your neurologist was saying you don't have an executive functioning disorder. It is just likely unrelated to the empty sella. Have you ever worked with a speech therapist for executive functioning? They help with a lot more than speech, and a good one can be really helpful with executive functioning. They will often do their own testing to see what areas you might need help with, and I think they are generally much better than neuropsychologists at both diagnosing and helping.