Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak דליפת נוזל המוח והשדרה

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can occur upon trauma, iatrogenic, or spontaneously. In the former two, there is acquired defect along base of skull for example from fractures or following complication of sinus surgery. Depending on the site, the fluid may leak through the nose (CSF rhinorrhea) or ear passage (CSF otorhea). This may be mixed with blood if the trauma is recent. However, the spontaneous type do occurs secondary to congenital defect. Patient complaint having clear fluid dripping from the nostril especially upon straining or coughing. Unlike running nose, this fluid is watery and clear in colour unless there is blood present. Glucose level determination and further laboratory test will confirm the diagnosis. CT-scan and flourescein study will be carried out in unresolved cases in preparation to surgical procedure for repair of the leak. This video shows CSF rhinorrhea which appears clear and liquid/non-mucoid in nature.