CSF Leak

CSF leak is leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through a dural defect (nose/rhinorrhea, ear/otorrhea, or wound), usually post-traumatic/post-surgical or spontaneous. Clinical: clear watery discharge from nose/ear, worse with leaning forward, with risk of meningitis. Treatment: conservative (head elevation, avoid straining, prophylactic antibiotics) for small leaks; surgical repair (endoscopic/transsphenoidal) for persistent or recurrent leaks.

Common Symptoms

Clear watery nasal/ear discharge; worse leaning forward; history of trauma/surgery; risk of meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Dural defect (traumatic/surgical/spontaneous) allows CSF to leak, raising meningitis risk.

Treatment

Conservative (head elevation, avoid straining); prophylactic antibiotics; surgical repair if persistent

Preventive Measures

Early repair; avoid straining; meningitis prevention.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.