A runny nose gets better over time, even without medical intervention.If that’s the case, it’s likely a CSF leak. Your runny nose might only occur when you have a certain posture, such as bending over.Nasal mucus, or snot, will cause a tissue or handkerchief to stiffen when it dries.Key differences between a runny nose and a cerebrospinal fluid leak are: What’s the difference between a runny nose and a CSF leak?īoth conditions cause a clear liquid to come out of your nose however, there are a few differences. Other symptoms of a spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak include: The most common symptom of a spinal CSF leak is a headache that gets better when you lay down. A salty or metallic taste in mouth (fluid can drain into throat, too).If you have a cranial CSF leak, the most common symptom is drainage of clear, watery fluid from the nostrils, just like a runny nose. The symptoms you may feel from a cerebrospinal fluid leak often depend on whether the leak is happening near your spine or brain. The cause is sometimes unknown, which is called a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak. A lumbar puncture, also called spinal tap or spinal anesthesia (including an epidural).There are a variety of causes of a cerebrospinal fluid leak, but typically the leak occurs when there is an injury to the head or spine. Spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak – occurring near the spine.Cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak – occurring near the brain.Sometime these can have different causes and symptoms. There are two distinct types of CSF leaks, depending on where the leak occurs. Leaking spinal fluid can cause a variety of sinus problems and other symptoms and lead to complications, such as meningitis and infections, so it’s important to have it treated. If this fluid begins to leak because of a hole or tear in the skull or membranes that protect the spine and brain, problems can arise.Īt The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we have sinus care experts who can collaborate with neurosurgeons and other specialties to identify whether a CSF leak is causing your symptoms, find where the leak is occurring and fix it.Ī CSF leak happens when the watery fluid surrounding the brain or spine begins to leak through a tear, puncture or crack in the skull or dura, the outermost membrane that protects the spine and brain. One of those protections is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a watery substance that flows through the hollow spaces surrounding the brain and spine to cushion it from any potential harm. Your brain and spine are two of the most important parts of your body, which is why you have several protections in place to prevent them from becoming injured.
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