Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (ear leakage of CSF)
About Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (ear leakage of CSF)
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from the ear secondary to an abnormal communication between the space around the brain and the inner ear. It can occur after trauma, especially a skull fracture. It can also be a congenital defect or from a complication of ear surgery. CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Untreated this problem can lead to meningitis.Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the cause of the disorder and whether a secondary infection has occurred. Symptoms may include: clear or cloudy fluid from the ear; hearing loss on only one side; headache, stiff neck and fever if the fluid gets infected.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Confirmation of the disorder and cause of the leak is done with a head CT and/or brain MRI.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI.
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the cause of the leak, the size of the leak, and if there is an associated infection. Treatment may include: observation, prophylactic antibiotics, and/or surgical repair.Medical specialties
Neurosurgery · Pediatric Neurosurgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (ear leakage of CSF).