CSF rhinorrhea is a sign of basilar skull fracture.

CSF rhinorrhea is a sign of basilar skull fracture.

• A. False
• B. Only in the elderly
• C. Only with fever
• D. True

Answer: (D)

CSF rhinorrhea occurs when a basilar skull fracture tears the dura and creates a pathway between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to drain through the nose. This makes CSF rhinorrhea a sign of basilar skull fracture, reflecting a breach of the skull base and meninges rather than being tied to age or fever. It can appear after head trauma at any age and isn’t dependent on infection or fever. Clinically, the drainage is typically clear and may have a salty taste; confirming with a beta-2 transferrin test helps distinguish CSF from other nasal discharges. Recognizing this sign is crucial because it raises the risk of meningitis and requires prompt imaging and neurosurgical evaluation to repair the leak and reduce infection risk.

CSF rhinorrhea occurs when a basilar skull fracture tears the dura and creates a pathway between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to drain through the nose. This makes CSF rhinorrhea a sign of basilar skull fracture, reflecting a breach of the skull base and meninges rather than being tied to age or fever. It can appear after head trauma at any age and isn’t dependent on infection or fever. Clinically, the drainage is typically clear and may have a salty taste; confirming with a beta-2 transferrin test helps distinguish CSF from other nasal discharges. Recognizing this sign is crucial because it raises the risk of meningitis and requires prompt imaging and neurosurgical evaluation to repair the leak and reduce infection risk.