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.
The most common clinical symptom is the leak of clear and watery drainage from the nose and ear with a positional dependency.
Lab test
Beta-2 Transferrin
Reference
- McCudden CR, Senior BA, Hainsworth S, et al. Evaluation of high resolution gel β(2)-transferrin for detection of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Clin Chem Lab Med 2013; 51:311.
- Prosser JD, Vender JR, Solares CA. Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2011; 44:857.
