SIH
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) Treatment in London
With Mr Irfan Malik | Consultant Spine Surgeon | UK’s Renowned Specialist
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) is a condition caused by a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, leading to reduced pressure around the brain and spinal cord. It commonly presents with severe positional headaches and neurological symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. At London Spine Health, Mr Irfan Malik provides expert assessment and advanced treatment strategies — including targeted imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical repair where necessary — to accurately diagnose the leak and restore normal CSF dynamics.
What are the benefits of treating Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH)?
Accurate Identification of CSF Leak Source
Advanced imaging helps precisely locate cerebrospinal fluid leaks, ensuring treatment targets the true cause of symptoms rather than temporary relief.
Relief from Debilitating Positional Headaches
Treatment can significantly reduce or resolve headaches that worsen when upright and improve quality of daily functioning.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Many SIH cases can be treated with targeted epidural blood patches or image-guided interventions without major surgery.
Restores Normal CSF Pressure
Correcting the leak helps re-establish normal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, improving neurological stability and comfort.
Improved Neurological Symptoms
Treatment may relieve associated symptoms such as neck pain, dizziness, visual disturbance, tinnitus, and cognitive fog.
Personalised Treatment Strategy
Each SIH case is different. Treatment is tailored based on imaging findings, symptom severity, and response to previous therapies.
Prevents Chronic Complications
Early and appropriate treatment reduces the risk of persistent headaches, nerve irritation, and long-term neurological effects.
Expertise in Complex Spinal CSF Disorders
Specialist care ensures appropriate diagnosis and management of a condition that is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Reducing symptoms allows patients to return to normal daily activities with improved comfort and confidence.
Our Process
Your Journey with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH)
Expert care, without the wait. Here’s how we diagnose and treat spinal CSF leaks effectively.
Step 1
Specialist Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with Mr Irfan Malik. Symptoms such as positional headaches, neurological changes, and previous imaging are reviewed to assess.
Step 2
Advanced Imaging & Leak Detection
Specialised MRI and targeted imaging techniques are used to identify signs of low cerebrospinal fluid pressure and locate potential spinal CSF leaks.
Step 3
Personalised Treatment Planning
Based on imaging findings, a tailored plan may include conservative measures, targeted epidural blood patching, fibrin sealant, or surgical repair if required.
Step 4
Minimally invasive treatments are performed under imaging guidance. Recovery focuses on restoring CSF pressure, reducing symptoms, and gradually returning to normal activity.
Why London Spine Health?
Experience the London Spine Health Difference
Care that’s Personal. Treatment that Works. Recovery that Lasts.
Expertise You Can Trust
Mr Irfan Malik brings decades of experience in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions with precision and compassion.
Tailored to You
No two backs are the same. We create bespoke treatment plans that match your needs, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Fast-Tracked Appointments
Say goodbye to long NHS waits. We offer prompt consultations, scans, and solutions—often all in one day.
Modern, Minimally Invasive Care
We use the latest techniques and technologies to reduce pain, speed up healing, and avoid unnecessary surgery.
Support at Every Step
From your first appointment to your final follow-up, we’re with you—ensuring you feel informed, confident, and cared for.
London-Based & Easy to Access
With clinics across the city, expert spinal care is never far from home.
FAQs
Get the facts on Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)
What is Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA)?
BVNA is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve inside the vertebrae to reduce chronic low back pain caused by vertebrogenic inflammation.
How does BVNA work?
The procedure uses controlled radiofrequency energy to deactivate the basivertebral nerve, preventing it from transmitting persistent pain signals from the vertebral body to the brain.
What conditions can BVNA treat?
BVNA is designed for chronic low back pain associated with Modic changes seen on MRI, particularly when symptoms have not improved with physiotherapy, medication, or injections.
What are the benefits compared to other spinal procedures?
BVNA treats pain at its source without removing discs, inserting implants, or fusing vertebrae, allowing spinal movement to be preserved with minimal tissue disruption.
Am I a candidate for BVNA?
You may be suitable if you have chronic low back pain lasting more than six months, MRI evidence of Modic changes, and limited improvement from conservative treatments.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients return home the same day. Normal activities can often resume gradually within days, with pain improvement developing over weeks to months.
Get started today
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Treatment for Lasting Relief
Identify the Cause. Restore Balance. Regain Daily Comfort.
Spinal Treatments
Related Treatments
Minimally invasive technique using small incisions for faster recovery and minimal scarring.
Precision-guided robotic technology ensures accurate alignment and safer spinal procedures.
Advanced laser technology to remove damaged tissue, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.
Restores natural motion by replacing damaged discs with artificial implants for long-term relief.
Restores natural motion by replacing damaged discs with artificial implants for long-term relief.
Restores natural motion by replacing damaged discs with artificial implants for long-term relief.
Memberships & Affiliations
Mr Irfan Malik’s memberships and affiliations reflect his commitment to surgical excellence, advanced spine treatments, and the highest standards of clinical practice in spinal surgery.
Locations
Find Us Across London
Expert Diagnosis. Day Case Treatments. Now Across London.
Winning Moments
Awards
Excellence Recognised. Care Personalised.
Zenith Global Health Award
Zenith Global Health stands as a leading force in the realm of global health
King’s Commendation Award
A King's Commendation for Valuable Service is awarded for meritorious service in an operational theatre.
Insurance Coverage
We Accept All Major UK Health Insurance Providers
Where Excellence in Spine Care Meets Insurance Ease.
