A runny nose can sometimes turn out to be a more serious condition known as a cerebrospinal fluid (csf) leak Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the nose Also known as csf rhinorrhea, this is a condition in which a fluid (called cerebrospinal fluid) escapes through a tear in the membrane surrounding the brain and leaks into a nasal passage.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
A spinal csf leak occurs anywhere in the spinal column
The most common symptom of a spinal csf leak is a headache
A cranial csf leak occurs in the skull, and often causes symptoms such as clear fluid leaking from the nose or ear Some csf leaks may heal with bed rest and other conservative treatment. Learn about csf leak nose symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options We provide expert guidance on recognizing cerebrospinal fluid leaks and when to seek medical attention.
A leak that occurs at the cranial level, rather than the spine, doesn't result in the same drop in volume and pressure of fluid in the skull A cranial csf leak results in a runny nose and carries a high risk of meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal and requires emergency attention. A headache can be a sign of a cold—or a cerebrospinal fluid (csf) leak if you've had a recent head injury or medical procedure Learn more about csf leaks.
Yes, cerebrospinal fluid can leak from the nose, often as a result of head trauma or certain medical conditions.
The symptoms you may feel from a cerebrospinal fluid leak often depend on whether the leak is happening near your spine or brain If you have a cranial csf leak, the most common symptom is drainage of clear, watery fluid from the nostrils, just like a runny nose. Cerebrospinal fluid bathes the brain and spinal cord and acts as a cushion to protect these areas Csf leaks occur through a communication between the lining of the brain and the nose.
