Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is rarely seen in the emergency department (ED) and most often occurs after a traumatic event. Spontaneous CSF leaks are much less common and are often the result of benign intracranial hypertension. If not recognized early on, CSF infections are the most serious consequence of this condition and therefore its early diagnosis and treatment are essential. This case report describes a patient who presented to the ED with a CSF leak not caused by a traumatic event. The patient presented with persistent unilateral rhinorrhea and headache that had previously been misdiagnosed. It describes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition. This is a case report of an uncommon but potentially dangerous disease that carries high morbidity if not diagnosed and treated early. This disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient who presents with persistent atraumatic unilateral rhinorrhea. Although CSF leaks have been portrayed in the literature, this case report is unique because it describes a rare manifestation of this condition and its diagnosis by emergency physicians. This article presents the case, discusses the incidence, potential causes, predisposing factors, diagnostic modalities and the course of treatment for this particular diagnosis.
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