Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea--an overview.
BACKGROUND
The commonest cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is trauma, especially craniofacial trauma: iatrogenic or accidental. This paper presents the clinical features, investigative techniques (most of which are not yet in common use in our environment) and finally, the current treatment modalities of this clinical entity.


METHODS
A review of literature was done using Medline search, relevant journals and text on the topic were reviewed the treatment modalities for cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea were highlighted.


RESULTS
Road traffic accident is the leading cause with the involvement of motorcycles on the increase. As the motorcycle has been allowed to become an important part of public transportation in our society and laws on the use of protective helmets not strictly adhered to, the incidence of craniofacial injuries and invariably that of CSF rhinorrhea is on the increase.


CONCLUSIONS
other etiological factors of CSF rhinorrhea should be noted as a small percentage is attributable to non-trauma. Therefore, the presence of a clear rhinorrhea following craniofacial trauma for example should raise the suspicion of a CSF fistula.
Adoga
Adeyi A
AA
Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Pmb 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Adeyiadoga@gmail.com
D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome