What is CSF and CSF Rhinorrhea?
CSF or cerebrospinal fluid is a body fluid found in the brain and spine. The choroid plexus of the ventricles of the brain produces about 500 ml of CSF daily. CSF is a clear, colorless fluid present in the ventricles of the brain as well as in the area surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion or shock absorber and protects the brain from injuries, blows, and jolts. Other functions of CSF include the supply of nutrition to the nervous system tissue and waste product removal of cerebral metabolism. The drainage of this CSF fluid from the nose is known as CSF rhinorrhea or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Homeopathic treatment for rhinorrhea is derived from plants and is safe and natural.
What is the Cause for CSF Rhinorrhea?
Trauma to the head is the most common reason for CSF rhinorrhea. CSF rhinorrhea is usually a sign of a basal skull fracture. In some cases, CSF rhinorrhea may be a symptom of pituitary adenoma. CSF rhinorrhea may also arise after surgical trauma during endoscopic sinus surgery or other neurosurgical procedures. Apart from the above reasons, CSF rhinorrhea may also occur due to increased intracranial pressure.
What are the Symptoms of CSF Rhinorrhea and the Investigations for its Diagnosis?
The primary symptom of CSF rhinorrhea is leakage of clear, watery discharge from the nose. The discharge of fluid is usually from one side of the nose. Bending the head forward makes the symptom worse. Draining of salty fluid from the nose into the throat is also a symptom in some individuals with CSF rhinorrhea. CSF rhinorrhea carries the risk of causing meningitis. The diagnostic test for CSF rhinorrhea includes Beta-2 transferrin test. Beta-2 transferrin is a protein exclusively present in CSF and thus helps in confirming CSF rhinorrhea. Other tests done in suspected cases of CSF rhinorrhea include CT scan of the head and CT cisternography.
Homeopathic Treatment for CSF Rhinorrhea
In homeopathy, a majorly indicated homeopathic medicine for rhinorrhea is Hedera Helix. Hedera Helix is derived from a species of common ivy from the plant family Araliaceae. The young shoots and flowering twigs of this plant are used to prepare Hedera Helix using the process of potentisation. Hedera Helix is a very effective homeopathic treatment for rhinorrhea.
