A physician’s journey with a hidden CSF leak and delayed diagnosis

Summary: A doctor thought she had fully recovered from a bad car crash. But years later, an intense ride on her spin bike brought on a terrible headache and blurry vision. She tried to push through the pain, but she also noticed she was getting very irritable with her family.

Finally, she investigated her own symptoms just like she would for a patient. She discovered she had a hidden cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the crash. The leak made her brain lose its fluid cushion and sag. This caused headaches when she stood up and weird mood changes that mimic dementia. She is sharing her story to remind everyone—especially doctors—to stop ignoring their own bodies and get help.

For more details, see kevinmd at kevinmd.com/2026/04/a-physicians-journey-with-a-hidden-csf-leak-and-delayed-diagnosis.html (opens in new tab)