About a week ago, I had a water-like substance dripping like a faucet from my left nostril. It continued for approximately 7 days - when I made it to the ENT it was no longer producing at the same rate. (Only when I woke up, or during exercise would it seem to start dripping.)

I have a history of headaches/blurred-vision/altered consciousness (9 months) and tinnitus (4 months)

The ENT assured me that if it was a CSF leak, it would continue to produce, and if I leaned forward, it should drip - though it did not while in the office. He examined my nose with an endoscope and saw nothing unusual.

Is this still a possible case of a CSF leak? I am not a doctor by any means, but I did do a little research and the possibility of increased intracranial hypertension resulting in a CSF leak (see attachment) seems at least plausible. My initial symptoms seem to have lined up with increased intracranial hypertension, although I never got a spinal tap pressure reading, and the brain MRI (w/o gad) was unremarkable.

My main question is, does anyone have experience with CSF rhinorrhea that comes and goes? Or is it something that comes and stays until repaired?

Attached Files

Spontaneous CSF leaks - A paradigm for definitive repair and management of intracranial-hyperten.pdf (164.8 KB, 2603 views)

I too have been experiencing the same problem with clear water-like substance dripping from right nostril intermittently since my sinus surgery in 2014. Either when bending over or sitting up in bed after waking, about a teaspoon full when will drip out. When it first started a week or so after the surgery, I called him and he denied that it could be possible. Then calls me back and sends me for an MRI that turned up inconclusive. I have been back to my ENT a couple times and after scope examination says he still sees nothing and its probably just drainage pooling in my sinus cavities. Drainage isn't like water and it tastes sweet. I have woke up in the middle of the night choking on it a couple times. Not to mention embarrasing when it happens unexpectedly in public. I have a history of extreme headaches. I've learned to live with it but the fatigue is debilitating and memory and focus has diminished tremendously and affected my work capabilities. I just don't want to end up with bacterial meningitis. I called his office to request copies of my medical records and was told I could not get them since I still owe a $110 balance from previous visit. I'm sure this is a violation of HIPPA and against AMA policies and ethics.

Hi , I just wanted you to know you're not alone. I have csf fluid dripping in my throat on the right side. For the last two days it gushed a little every time I moved my head and I've had major headaches. Went to ER. Ct scan was clear. Because this happens intermittently I don't think the chances are good that they will find it. I hope you have better luck. Kel

TAYLORD, I do have intracranial hypertension(IIH) I have had a CSF rhinorrhea. My high ICP wore a hole in the protective lining at the base of my skull leading to a leak. This turned out to be a blessing for me. My neurologist said it can happen that way if your Intracranial pressures are fluctuating. After I had my shunt I needed to be able to tell if I had CSF leaking or just a runny nose. He told me to use a cloth handkerchief, like women use to carry. When you wipe you nose , if it dries like water, it is most CSF, if it dries stiff there is mucus present and its not CSF. But the only way to truly know is to have the fluid tested. On the MRI they are looking for an "empty sella sack". If you really think you have this and you can, get to a neurologist. Good luck