Korean Journal of Neurotrauma  2017;13(2):63-67

doi:10.13004/kjnt.2017.13.2.63

Traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: Diagnosis and Management.

Ji Woong OH 1 ; So Hyun KIM ; Kum WHANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Brain injuries; Cerebrospinal fluid leak; Meningitis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are one of the common complications after traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The risks of CSF leaks can be detrimental to the outcomes of the patients. Early diagnosis and proper management is imperative for it is strongly associated with a better long-term prognosis of the patients. Diagnostic tools for CSF leaks are still under debate. Nevertheless, many reports of successful treatments for CSF leaks have been published with introduction of various repair techniques for leakage sites even though it is surgically challenging. Hereby, we review about the pathophysiology, manifestations as well as the update of the clinical diagnosis and current management of CSF leaks.