Arnold–Chiari malformation is a condition where the cerebellar tonsils have descended, and should be considered in differential diagnosis of SCSFLS Several complications can occur as a result of SCSFLS including decreased cranial pressure, brain herniation, infection, blood pressure problems, transient paralysis, and coma. The primary and most serious complication of SCSFLS is spontaneous intracranial hypotension, where pressure in the brain is severely decreased. This complication leads to the hallmark symptom of severe orthostatic headaches. People with cranial CSF<unk> s, the rarer form, have a 10% risk of developing meningitis per year. If cranial<unk> s last more than seven days, the chances of developing meningitis are significantly higher. Spinal CSF<unk> s cannot result in meningitis due to the sterile conditions of the<unk>  site. When a CSF<unk>  occurs at the temporal bone, surgery becomes necessary in order to prevent infection and repair the<unk> . Orthostatic hypotension is another complication that occurs due to autonomic dysfunction when blood pressure drops significantly. The autonomic dysfunction is caused by compression of the brainstem, which controls breathing and circulation. Low CSF volume can cause the cerebellar tonsil position to descend, which can be mistaken for Chiari malformation; however when the CSF<unk>  is repaired the tonsil position often returns to normal (as seen in upright MRI) in this "pseudo-Chiari" condition. A further, albeit rare, complication of CSF<unk>  is transient quadriplegia due to a sudden and significant loss of CSF. This loss results in hindbrain herniation and causes major compression of the upper cervical spinal cord. The quadriplegia dissipates once the patient lies supine. An extremely rare complication of SCSFLS is third nerve palsy, where the ability to move one's eyes becomes difficult and interrupted due to compression of the third cranial nerve. There are documented cases of reversible frontotemporal dementia and coma. Coma due to a CSF<unk>  has been successfully treated by using blood patches and/or fibrin glue and placing the person in the Trendelenburg position. Empty sella syndrome, a bony structure that surround the pituitary gland, occurs in CSF<unk>  patients.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Pneumocephalus
Brain herniation
Hemicrania continua
Hydrocephalus
Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea
Intraventricular hemorrhage
Epidural hematoma