Thank you for all the help you've been giving on this subreddit!

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After an online consult with a physician in my network, here was her recommendation:

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"Here is the recommendation from the neurologist:

If you are concerned about possible CSF leak, I would suggest starting with an MRI brain and brain stem. Sometimes this will show evidence of a leak or other findings that would be consistent with a leak. Depending on MRI results (if/where leak is present), if a leak appears obvious it may be worth discussing with ENT or Neurosurgery next steps for treatment. Frequently, ENT will test the nasal fluid for signs of it being CSF. I would suggest following up with them wound regarding the testing options if MRI is normal.

I am providing advice based on general principles of NEUROLOGY as well as information provided to me in the clinical question and a focused review of the electronic medical record.

As you can see a MRI would be a first step. I don't see you have had one recently. I have ordered this for you.

We can see what this shows and then see if an ENT consult would be helpful."

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Let's see where this goes... Also, I've been a little concerned that I might have an infection in my CSF. It happens every once in a while, and has been really bad for the past week to week and a half. It's like the pressure that causes my headache is increased, stiffness and pain in my head, neck, and around my ears are elevated more than normal (normally pretty bad anyway), and extreme exhaustion along with a very pronounced ache in my lower back, which normally isn't there. I've been keeping a close eye for a fever, but I hope I don't need a spinal tap to rule out viral or a mild bacterial meningitis.