can bad smell be related to spinal fluid leakage?

[rhon271b]

I recently developed a spontaneous spinal fluid leak (very heavy flow of fluid), located just about the sensory receptors around my nose. About eleven days ago it suddenly stopped leaking. Once I had surgery for a CSF leak 8 years ago, and two other times the leakage came back and healed on its on (totaling 4 episodes).

A few weeks ago, (plus last April), I noticed a bad smell in my nose some days before the leaks manifested. The bad smell has returned again, although inconsistent throughout the day. It tends to be worse at night (also varies in intensity). Could an odor like this indicate a condition related to spinal fluid leakage or infection? Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

[National Jewish]

Yes, a bad smell in your nose could indicate infection, occurring along with a spinal fluid leak or pre-leak.  You should seek an expert opinion on the cause of the leak.  Also determine if there exists a permanent solution to the problem.

[abmik]

what can cause this?  I experienced something like this some 10 years ago.  No DR. ever diagnosed it and my symptoms have changed to chronic upper back and chest discomfort with soreness and many other strange things.

[rhon271b]

Hi, I just noticed your comment. I have no medical expertise, but can tell you a spinal fluid leak presents some weird symptoms. I never experienced chest or upper back discomfort like you are having, but my back ached from sleeping in an upright position for over a year. The spinal fluid dripped consistently from my left nostril; and this tends to be a "common" symptom among those with this condition. My twin sister got a "CSF leak" two years ago, her's came out from her left nostril as well. My symptoms were severe head pressure and pain, clear cold fluid dripping from my left nostril, fluid going down my throat when it was not leaking from my nose--much like a post nasal drip, sore throat, fatigue. My sister experienced thudding noises in her ears before her fluid started leaking, and also the symptoms I listed above.

Thankfully, once again my leak healed on its on, four days before I was scheduled for surgery. And from what I read on it, these leaks can sometimes heal on their own, however, the threat of menegitis is too risky to take a chance of waiting for it to heal on its own for an extended period time. Regarding the bad smell, my ENT said a bad smell can indicate an upper respiratory infection. Sometimes it can take several weeks to clear these up with antibiotics. I hope this helps, and that you will have resolution to your problem soon.

[JAMESY1936]

A related discussion, MUCOUS was started.