Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea

Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ear. This condition is often associated with basal skull fractures and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Causes

The primary cause of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea is trauma to the skull base, which can result in a fracture and subsequent leakage of CSF. Other causes can include congenital anomalies, neoplastic diseases, and infections of the ear or central nervous system.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea is a clear, watery discharge from the ear. Other symptoms can include hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. In some cases, patients may also experience meningitis due to the exposure of the central nervous system to pathogens.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and laboratory tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the source of the CSF leak.

Treatment

Treatment for cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea primarily involves surgery to repair the source of the CSF leak. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent or treat any associated infections. In some cases, a lumbar drain may be used to reduce the pressure on the site of the leak and promote healing.

Prognosis

With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea is generally good. However, if left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, brain abscess, and pneumocephalus.

See also

• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Basal skull fracture
• Meningitis