Although it is often caused by allergies, some cases of runny nose may indicate a much more important problem. One of these problems is cerebrospinal fluid leakage. This case is usually encountered in people who have had a head injury or surgery in the nose area. The fluid containing the brain flows out through the nose due to the perforation of the cerebral cortex. Early detection and treatment of these cases is vital because of the complications they cause. In the recent operations performed by the Near East University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Neurosurgery Departments, 3 patients were restored to health after surgery due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Prof. Dr. Ferhat Erişir: “Untreated cerebrospinal fluid leakage can cause meningitis”
Near East University Hospital Head and Neck Surgery Department Head Prof. Dr. Ferhat Erişir draws attention to the fact that cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which have become more common recently, can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Prof. Dr. Ferhat Erişir said that cerebrospinal fluid leakage is confused with allergic discharge by patients and said, “Cerebrospinal fluid is excreted from the nose in the form of a flu-like transparent fluid. For this reason, many of our patients go from doctor to doctor because of allergic complaints. However, as it can cause many complications, it is vital to diagnose cerebrospinal fluid leak as soon as possible. For example, since the brain is open, the smallest microbe can cause meningitis.”

Stating that the cerebrospinal fluid discharge can sometimes stop on its own, Prof. Dr. Erişir said, “There may be no discharge for 1 week, 10 days or 1 month. However, this does not mean complete recovery. A microbe that still goes to the brain can cause an infection.”

Specialist Dr. Hüsnü Koşucu: “The clear liquid dripping from the nose or the taste of salty water in the nose may be a sign of cerebrospinal fluid leakage”
Cerebrospinal fluid leak surgeries are performed jointly by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Brain and Nerve Surgery. Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Dr. Hüsnü Koşucu, also commented on the cerebrospinal fluid; “The escape of the cerebrospinal fluid, which is produced in the brain and circulates through the entire brain and spinal cord surface, is prevented by the cerebral membrane. Rarely, cerebrospinal fluid may leak out due to a tear or defect in the membrane. Leakage is mostly seen in the nose. Cerebrospinal fluid leak is manifested by the taste of clear fluid dripping from the nose or salty water in the nasal passages. Although these findings may not seem very important, they can cause the development of meningitis and brain inflammations. Meningitis, on the other hand, can cause serious complications ranging from mild disability to choana.

It’s much easier to treat now
Cerebrospinal fluid ruptures that cause cerebrospinal fluid leakage were previously treated with a major surgery in the form of opening the skull base and placing a patch. However, nowadays, with the advancement of technology, the treatment can be performed more easily and with less complications than through the nose. Zehra Ecersoy, who applied to the Near East University Hospital thinking that she was facing an allergic runny nose, is one of the patients who regained her health with this method.

Zehra Ecersoy, who started to run out of fluid from her nose after the trauma, thought that she was facing an allergic situation at first. It turns out that the reason for the runny nose she suffered when she applied to the Near East University Hospital was neck spinal fluid leakage. Prof. Dr. Ferhat Erişir said that they postponed Zehra Ecersoy’s surgery because the fluid leak stopped twice, but they decided to operate the patient after the flow started again.

Zehra Ecersoy, who regained her health at the Near East University Hospital, expressed her feelings: “I regained my health with the treatment I received at the Near East University Hospital, I am very happy. I hereby express my deepest thanks to my doctors. I received very good care at the hospital. Today all my complaints are over and I feel very good.”