Nasal liquorrhea

Nasal liquorrhea (discharge of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose; rhinorrhea) is a pathological condition characterized by impaired integrity of the bone and soft tissues of the skull base that occurs after a craniocerebral injury, in the presence of tumors of the skull base; can sometimes occur spontaneously.

Patients may suspect nasal liquorrhea in the discharge of pure fluid from the nose, not causing irritation of the nasal mucosa and skin.

After operations on the basis of the skull, pseudorinorrhea may occur, possibly due to hypersecretion of the nasal mucosa as a result of impaired vegetative regulation (often accompanied by a lack of lacrimation on the part of surgical intervention, with nasal congestion and reddening of the face).

Diagnosis of nasal liquorrhea

Cisternography – administration of a contrast medium or radionuclide drug followed by computed tomography or scintigraphy;

Treatment of nasal liquorrhea

Treatment of liquorrhea is divided into conservative and operational methods. Conservative methods include measures to reduce intracranial pressure (bed rest; diuretics; moderate restriction of fluid intake; lumbar drainage). Surgical treatment includes the closure of the skull base defect, both extradural and intradural approaches can be applied depending on the location of the cerebrospinal fluid fistula.

One of the most dangerous complications of nasal liquorrhea in patients who have not received adequate therapy are infectious complications (meningitis, etc.)