Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Management

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSF rhinorrhea) is a pathological condition characterized by the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the nose. This occurs due to a defect in the skull base, which creates an abnormal communication between the subarachnoid space (the space surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and the nasal cavity. The defect typically involves a breach in the arachnoid and dura mater, often accompanied by an osseous (bony) defect. CSF rhinorrhea is a significant clinical condition because it can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscess if left untreated. Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent these life-threatening complications (Arshad et al., 2024).