What is cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

What is cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea?

Cranial CSF leaks occur in the head and are associated with CSF rhinorrhea, in which the cerebrospinal fluid escapes through the nasal passages (runny nose). Spinal CSF leaks develop due to tears in the soft tissues surrounding the spinal cord.

What causes CSF rhinorrhea?

Causes for CSF rhinorrhea: After surgery of the nose, sinuses, intracranial, ear, etc. Following trauma (head injury, road traffic accidents, facial injuries, etc.) High pressure leaks following raised pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension).

What fracture causes CSF leak?

Clinical Pathophysiology of Traumatic CSF Leak The most common fracture sites leading to CSF leaks following TBI are the frontal sinus (30.8%), sphenoid sinus (11.4–30.8%), ethmoid (15.4–19.1%), cribriform plate (7.7%), frontoethmoid (7.7%) and sphenoethmoid (7.7%).

How do you know if rhinorrhea is CSF?

Rhinorrhea (runny nose) that is clear and watery may be the first sign of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. 1 Other signs and symptoms may include: Headache. Salty or metallic taste in the mouth1.

How is CSF rhinorrhea treated?

Although CSF rhinorrhea has been traditionally treated with open surgical procedures, the introduction of the rigid endoscope for minimally invasive endonasal procedures has revolutionized treatment for many patients.

What is cerebrospinal fluid and what is its function?

Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact.

How is CSF rhinorrhea treatment?

It is only recommended in cases of spontaneous CSF leak or head trauma, independent of any medical or surgical ways. It would include 1-2 weeks of bed rest. A lumbar drain may be placed in the low back to decrease pressure of the CSF fluid, around the area of the leak, which often allows it to heal.

What happens if Cribriform plate damage?

A fractured cribriform plate can result in olfactory dysfunction, septal hematoma, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSF rhinorrhoea), and possibly infection which can lead to meningitis. CSF rhinorrhoea (clear fluid leaking from the nose) is very serious and considered a medical emergency.

How is CSF diagnosed?

Diagnosing a CSF leak includes an analysis of the nasal fluid for a protein called beta-2 transferrin which is most only found in cerebrospinal fluid. CT and MRI scans may also be require to determine the location and severity of the leakage.

Is CSF rhinorrhea serious?

CSF rhinorrhea is very rare. Still, you want to know if you have it. This condition can put you at risk for dangerous infections – meningitis and pneumocephalus (air in the cranial cavity).

What is the main function of cerebrospinal fluid?

CSF assists the brain by providing protection, nourishment, and waste removal. CSF provides hydromechanical protection of the neuroaxis through two mechanisms. First, CSF acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the brain against the skull.