Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Rhinorrhoea (Watery Nasal Discharge)
Introduction
The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It provides them with cushion and protects against any possible injuries.
Whenever there is any leakage of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) from the cranial cavity into the nose or ear, it is called Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea / CSF Rhinorrhoea or CSF Oto-Rhinorrhoea (in case of ears).
This condition presents with complaints of one-sided clear, watery nasal discharge, salty/ metallic taste in the mouth (mostly lying down), headache, and hearing loss in cases of CSF Oto-Rhinorrhoea.
Cause(s) of CSF Rhinorrhoea
The causes of CSF Rhinorrhoea include:
- Head injury
- Increased pressure in the brain
- Tumour of skull base
Consequently, it may also occur at times due to a sudden amount of sneezing, coughing, lifting of heavy weights, and exercising.
The risk factors for CSF Leak include obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, and abnormalities of the skull base and inner ear.
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Treatment of CSF Rhinorrhoea
CSF Rhinorrhoea needs identification and early treatment to avoid any future complications such as meningitis and pneumo-encephalocele (air leak in the cranial cavity). The management of this condition entails confirmation of CSF Rhinorrhea, causes of the CSF leak, and identification of the site of the CSF leak. A series of tests such as B-Trace protein and imaging modalities do this.
Surgical intervention also plays a significant role in managing CSF Rhinorrhea. Over the years, endoscopic surgery has become the preferred approach for repairing most of the cases of CSF Rhinorrhea due to its minimally invasive nature.
In the case of endoscopic surgery, an endoscope is passed through the nose, without making any facial cuts, and the area of defect in the skull base is identified and closed using fat and fascia.
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Consult only with an experienced and qualified endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeon in case of CSF Rhinorrhoea or CSF Oto-Rhinorrhoea (for ears). These surgeons, given their years of rigorous training and specialization in treating conditions such as CSF Rhinorrhea, are the best specialists for you.
Book an Appointment with the Best ENT Specialist in Delhi NCR:
Dr. (Lt. Col.) Ravi Roy, Senior Consultant, ENT at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre based in Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad is a graduate of the highly reputed Armed Forces Medical College and has over 20 years of experience in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care, specializing in sinus and ear surgeries. Do consult him in case of any such problems.
