Complications & Outcomes
CSF rhinorrhea
CSF rhinorrhea is leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, which can occur with skull-base defects or after surgery.
In short: CSF rhinorrhea
- It appears as clear fluid draining from the nose.
- It can signal a skull-base CSF leak.
- It is evaluated and treated promptly.
- It can raise the risk of meningitis.
What it is
It is leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, appearing as clear fluid draining from one or both nostrils. It can occur with skull-base defects or as a complication after skull-base or nasal surgery.
Understanding CSF rhinorrhea
Because it indicates a connection between the brain's fluid spaces and the nose, CSF rhinorrhea can signal a skull-base CSF leak and raises the risk of meningitis. It is evaluated promptly — testing can confirm that the fluid is CSF — and treated, with measures that may include a lumbar drain or surgery to seal the leak. Families with a child who has had skull-base or nasal surgery are taught to watch for persistent clear nasal drainage.
Why it matters
Understanding CSF rhinorrhea helps families recognize clear nasal drainage as a warning sign worth reporting, since it can indicate a CSF leak that needs prompt evaluation and treatment.
Common questions
What is CSF rhinorrhea?
Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose.
What does it look like?
Clear fluid draining from the nose.
Why does it matter?
It can signal a CSF leak and raise the risk of meningitis.
Bottom line
CSF rhinorrhea is clear cerebrospinal fluid draining from the nose, a sign of a possible skull-base leak needing prompt care.
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