You may notice the fluid coming from just one side of your nose. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Discharge in the back of your throat can make your throat sore or irritated. You might feel the need to clear your throat or swallow frequently. [5] X Research source
A metallic taste in your mouth can also have a variety of other causes, such as gum disease, a cold or sinus infection, or certain medications. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
These headaches might begin suddenly or come on gradually.
Some people experience unusual sensitivity to light or sound.
Along with dizziness, you might also experience nausea or vomiting.
Pain in your neck, upper back (between your shoulder blades), or arms Stiffness in your neck[14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Difficulty thinking or remembering things Tremors or involuntary movements
The possibility of having a CSF leak can be frightening, but try not to worry. Most people recover very well with proper medical treatment. In some cases, a few days of rest is enough to help the leak heal. [16] X Research source An untreated CSF leak can sometimes lead to meningitis, an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Getting your CSF leak diagnosed and treated quickly can help prevent this dangerous infection. Despite the risk of infection, your doctor likely won’t give you antibiotics unless they’re sure you have a bacterial infection. Taking antibiotics before the infection occurs doesn’t help prevent it.
For example, mention if you have recently been in a car accident, bumped your head in a fall, or were injured playing a sport. CSF leaks can also sometimes happen after strenuous activities, like lifting heavy objects, doing an intense workout, or even something like riding a roller coaster. [18] X Research source
They might pass a long, thin tube, called an endoscope, into your nose to get a closer look. Your doctor will give you a decongestant spray and a numbing medication to make this process more comfortable. [22] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
In most cases, your doctor will be able to easily collect a specimen by letting it run directly into a small test tube or plastic pipette. [24] X Research source The lab will test the fluid for a protein called beta-2 transferrin, which is only found in cerebrospinal fluid.
In some cases, your doctor might want to do a lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) to test how much CSF you have. This sounds a bit scary, but your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to make the process more comfortable. You may feel a pinch or sting from the anesthetic injection, and then some pressure as the needle enters your spine. [26] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Depending on your symptoms, they may also send you for additional tests, such as an eye exam or hearing test. [27] X Research source
While you’re resting, be careful of doing anything that might make the leak worse. This could include coughing, blowing your nose, lifting anything heavy, or straining when you go to the bathroom. Most cases will resolve after a few days of bed rest and managing your symptoms.
There’s some evidence that caffeine can help improve headaches associated with CSF leaks. Your doctor might give you caffeine through an IV or recommend that you drink strong coffee or take caffeine supplements.
Never stop taking a course of antibiotics unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you do have an infection, stopping your medications too soon could allow it to come back or get worse.
Before the surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious during the procedure. Your surgeon will pass a small viewing tube, called an endoscope, into your nose. They will use tiny surgical tools to repair the leak, using small pieces of tissue taken from other parts of your body (such as your abdomen or another part of your nose). [33] X Research source
Avoid anything that could cause you to strain, such as heavy lifting, stretching, or working out. They may prescribe a stool softener so you don’t strain when you go to the bathroom. Try not to cough or sneeze, if possible. If you have to sneeze or cough, keep your mouth open. Avoid blowing your nose. Drink straight from the cup instead of using a straw. Keep your back straight as much as possible—use your knees and hips if you need to bend down.
