# Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Presenting as Headache: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A young woman experienced a rare cerebrospinal fluid leak, causing headache, neck stiffness, and vision changes, highlighting the importance of considering rare causes for common symptoms.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the literature by presenting a rare clinical scenario of cerebrospinal fluid leak mimicking common headache causes.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms were caused by a cerebrospinal fluid leak, not typical headache causes.
- The case emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider rare diagnoses when evaluating common symptoms.
- Early recognition of cerebrospinal fluid leaks can prevent complications and guide appropriate treatment.

## Abstract

Headache is a common chief complaint among patients. When presented with this chief complaint, clinicians often form a differential diagnosis of common etiologies, including dehydration, increased stressors, and medication side effects. However, a skillful clinician must always be vigilant of rare etiologies presenting with common chief complaints. Here, we present a rare case of a cerebrospinal fluid leak in a young female presenting with primary symptoms of headache, neck stiffness, and vision changes.