CSF Leak Repair

What are the symptoms of CSF leak?

Patients typically complain of clear, watery drainage usually from only one side of the nose or one ear. Drainage can increase with tilting the head forward or straining. Other symptoms can include headache, vision changes, and hearing loss.

CSF leaks can be separated into two groups. Spontaneous leaks occur without any known cause. Traumatic leaks are most commonly related to a history of head injury, surgery, or tumors.

How are CSF leaks diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a history and physical exam. Often, the doctor will examine the nose with an endoscope. Your physician may also ask you to lean forward for several minutes to see if this increases drainage. If the drainage can be collected, it is often sent for laboratory testing to confirm that it is cerebral spinal fluid. Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs may be ordered to evaluate for skull bone defects.