Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occur when the fluid around the brain leaks through a hole in the dura mater (outer covering of the brain) and the skull. The fluid commonly drains from the nose, depending on where the skull base defect is located.
CSF is meant to stay in a protected space. Our expert surgeons at California Sinus Centers have extensive experience in repairing cerebrospinal fluid leaks and often assist when other providers encounter leaks during surgery.
CSF Leak Symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Changes in hearing or vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Clear drainage from one side of the ear or nose
- Meningitis
CSF Leak Causes
- Injury to the head or spine
- Medical procedures like a spinal tap, sinus surgery or an epidural during labor
- Irregularities of the dura mater
- Increased pressure on the brain
- Inner ear malformations
Sometimes, a leak starts without an obvious trigger. These are called spontaneous CSF leaks and may be linked to increased pressure inside the skull.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have a suspected CSF leak, your surgeon at the California Sinus Centers will perform a thorough history and physical exam. If drainage can be collected, it will be sent to the laboratory for testing to confirm it is CSF. Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs may be ordered to evaluate the skull base.
Treatment can be either medical or surgical. Conservative treatment is usually recommended first in cases of spontaneous CSF leak or head trauma. Surgical treatment of CSF leaks is used when conservative measures fail. Surgery is typically performed using an endoscopic approach (using scopes through the nostrils).
The doctors at California Sinus Centers have extensive experience in working with difficult or revision sinus surgery cases, including repairs of CSF leaks. We are comfortable with most cases that are a result of trauma, prior surgery or that have occurred spontaneously.
Call California Sinus Centers for more information or to schedule an appointment.