Steve Kerr underwent surgery to address a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, a condition that has affected his health for several years. Dr. Lehman stated.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently underwent surgery to address a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, a condition that has affected his health for several years. The surgery was performed by Dr. Chris Lehman, MD, a specialist in neurosurgery, who identified a ruptured disc in Kerr’s spine as the underlying cause of the leak.

Kerr’s health issues date back to 2015 when he first experienced complications following a routine back surgery. The initial procedure, intended to repair a ruptured disc, led to a CSF leak, resulting in severe headaches, nausea, and other debilitating symptoms. Despite multiple follow-up surgeries, the issue persisted, impacting his ability to coach and forcing him to take extended leaves of absence during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 NBA seasons.

Dr. Lehman explained that the CSF leak occurs when the protective covering around the spinal cord and brain is compromised, allowing fluid to escape. This condition often leads to intense, chronic headaches and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. The ruptured disc in Kerr’s spine exacerbated this condition, as the damaged disc pressed on the dura mater, the membrane that holds cerebrospinal fluid, causing the leak.

The recent surgery aimed to repair the damaged disc and seal the leak, offering hope for a full recovery. While the procedure was complex, Dr. Lehman expressed optimism about Kerr’s prognosis. “With the disc repaired and the leak addressed, we expect Coach Kerr to experience significant relief from his symptoms,” Dr. Lehman stated.

Kerr’s recovery is expected to take several months, during which time he will likely continue to manage the Warriors’ operations from behind the scenes. The team and fans alike are hopeful for his full return to the sidelines, where his leadership has been instrumental in the Warriors’ success over the years.