Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

No members of the CSF Leak Association, our Medical Advisory Committee or any associated medical professionals or patient representatives were involved in this consensus statement.

During recent years, an association between spontaneous cranial CSF leak/rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been recognised. However, there is still varying opinion regarding the assessment, investigation, and management of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.

The authors of this consensus statement are experts from Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America. This guideline was first published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, October 2020.

They state, "Although by no means comprehensive and final, we believe they can contribute to the standardization of clinical practice. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical closure of the defect, assessment for and treatment of potentially co‐existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential in order to successfully manage spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, reduce associated morbidity and prevent recurrence."

International Consensus Statement: Spontaneous CSF Rhinnorhea, October 2020