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What Causes CSF Leak From Nose?
Question: I have CSF coming from my cribriform plate and have already gotten meningitis and was in ICU for 4 day, the hospital for a total of 9. All of my Doctors have told me that I am very lucky to be alive. It seems like the doctors think this could never happen again, but I still have CSF that leaks from my nose each day. I am scared to leave my house due to the fact that no can tell me how I can in contact with the bacteria meningitis. What would you do????? this a follow up question to the one above. if it is not CSF coming from the crack in my cribriform plate what else could it be. the fluid is clear odorless tasteless and looks like water.
Brief Answer:
Test for the presence of glucose in this fluid!!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
If your doctors are not certain that this is CSF, then you can test the liquid for the presence of glucose or not. If glucose is present, then it is for sure CSF.
The best approach is to get this leak sealed surgically. Ask your doctors if this is an option they have considered in your case and what the plan is regarding this.
It is true that the risk of infection is huge with the brain communicating with the outside. Staying away from potential contaminants outside is good at avoiding possible infections but this is simply no fix as no one can spend the rest of his or her life in a confined environment. Ask your doctor what the longterm plans are for a permanent seal.
For now, avoid positions that increase the leak, stay composed and ask your doctors whether would they consider antibiotics prophylaxis while awaiting a seal.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for this query and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Test for the presence of glucose in this fluid!!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
If your doctors are not certain that this is CSF, then you can test the liquid for the presence of glucose or not. If glucose is present, then it is for sure CSF.
The best approach is to get this leak sealed surgically. Ask your doctors if this is an option they have considered in your case and what the plan is regarding this.
It is true that the risk of infection is huge with the brain communicating with the outside. Staying away from potential contaminants outside is good at avoiding possible infections but this is simply no fix as no one can spend the rest of his or her life in a confined environment. Ask your doctor what the longterm plans are for a permanent seal.
For now, avoid positions that increase the leak, stay composed and ask your doctors whether would they consider antibiotics prophylaxis while awaiting a seal.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for this query and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you so much for your time. I am starting to have signs of meningitis again and don't have an appointment with a neurosurgeon for two week.
Brief Answer:
Please, get consulted right away!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.
Withs signs of meningitis, I will suggest that you visit the ER immediately and not wait for two weeks before seeing your neurosurgeon. Meningitis is an emergency and needs to be addressed immediately
Should this become a full flown infection, it would delay any planned surgical intervention by your surgeon.
I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Please, get consulted right away!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this follow up.
Withs signs of meningitis, I will suggest that you visit the ER immediately and not wait for two weeks before seeing your neurosurgeon. Meningitis is an emergency and needs to be addressed immediately
Should this become a full flown infection, it would delay any planned surgical intervention by your surgeon.
I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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