Brain Fluid CSF Leak from the Nose
Brain fluid (CSF) leak can occur from the nose. These leaks typically present in patients as a clear fluid dripping “like a tap” from the nose. The commonest causes for brain fluid leak from the nose include trauma, post surgical and a spontaneous leak (usually associated with birth defects). Infection from the nose can spread via the defect between the brain and nose to the brain tissues and cause very serious, potentially life threatening brain infections. The leaks therefore, should be repaired.
The diagnosis of a CSF leak is usually made by taking a sample of the nose fluid for Beta 2 transferrin testing. Beta 2 transferrin is a protein present almost exclusively in the brain fluid.
A defect in the nose has to be diagnosed with high quality CT and MRI imaging. If the defect is particularly difficult to find then occasionally a yellow dye may need to be injected into the spinal fluid (via an injection into the back) to allow easy visualization of the fluid leaking from the nose.
Historically these defects were repaired via a craniotomy (or brain surgical approach). Advances in nasal surgery, and in particular better high definition scopes and cameras, image (skull base computerized) guidance and high powered cool lighting has allowed the majority of these defects between the brain and nose to be repaired via the nose.
An endoscopic nasal repairs of brain fluid (CSF) leaks, is scarless surgery, and generally translates into quicker, less painful recovery. There are far less risks with this repair including less brain damage and very little risk of losing smell, which was a common outcome with the older brain approaches.
At SANAMI your anterior skull base neurosurgeon and anterior endoscopic nasal surgeon will assess each case individually and tailor a treatment ideal for your case. At North Shore Private we have access to the latest generation CT and MRI scanning as well as image (neuronavigation) guidance systems, to ensure a high quality operation and recovery.
We look forward to helping you overcome this potentially serious problem.
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