CSF rhinorrhea or Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

Cerebrospinal Fluid is a salty fluid leaking from the nose, especially with exertion or straining.

Nasal or sinus surgery can rarely cause the problem of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak.

Commonly known as CSF rhinorrhea, a condition involving a defect in the bone and soft tissue barrier between the brain and the sinuses.

Fluid that surrounds the brain called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can then leak into the nose. What results is a watery, salty fluid leaking from the nose, especially with exertion or straining.

This condition is considered dangerous because the opening between the brain and the sinuses gives bacteria from the nose access into the critical brain area. This can result in meningitis, or infection of the lining of the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid leaks can occur spontaneously or can be the result of trauma, most often car accidents.

Formerly, closure of such leaks involved a craniotomy, or surgical operation involving opening of the skull and brain cavity.

The recent advances that have been made in endoscopic sinus techniques now allow repair of this problem through the nose without the need for facial or surgical operation involving opening of the skull and brain cavity.

Successful closure of Cerebrospinal Fluid leaks can be achieved in greater than 90% of cases using this approach.