Also known as CSF leak

ABOUT THE DISEASE

The leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spine through the nose is called CSF leak or CSF Rhinorrhea. The leakage occurs when there is an abnormal connection between the CSF-containing space around the brain and the paranasal sinuses.

CAUSES

CSF leak can occur without any apparent reason or may be caused due to trauma and / or brain and sinus surgery. It might also be caused due to placement of tubes for epidural anaesthesia or pain medications.

SYMPTOMS

• • Headache, that gets worse on sitting and improves on lying down
• • Nausea
• • Neck stiffness
• • CSF drainage from nose

DIAGNOSIS

- Medical history
- MRI Brain & spine
- CT Scan with contrast
- Radioisotope test of the CSF to track the leakage

TREATMENT METHODS

In many cases the problem goes away on its own after a few days of rest. However untreated CSF leaks can lead to meningitis and brain infection, and needs to be treated as a medical emergency.

Open brain surgery (craniotomy), or Endoscopic repair, through the nose and sinuses with no external incisions, can be done.

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Meningitis
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Nausea
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