Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

It may be diagnosed using brain scans (prompted based on initial symptoms), and by testing to see if discharge from the nose is cerebrospinal fluid.

[2] It can have devastating complications in some patients, as the communication between the nasal cavity, the cerebrospinal fluid and the central nervous system can result in severe bacterial infections.

[3] CSF rhinorrhoea may be a complication of neurosurgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and hypophysectomy (partial or complete removal of the pituitary gland).

[1] If a patient has clear, colourless liquid leaking from the nose, then radiographs or CT scans may be used to look for a basilar skull fracture.

[1] Conservative management includes watchful waiting, as some minor CSF leaks often stop spontaneously.