Pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of blunt force and penetrating trauma of the anterior cranial base

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks may occur in about 2% to 4% of skull base fractures. ^, CSF leaks are five to six times more likely to occur in the anterior skull base than the rest of the cranial fossa. Complications such as pneumocephalus, meningitis, or brain abscess can occur. Of these skull base fracture–related CSF leaks, 28% can result in meningitis and have an associated 1-year mortality rate of 16%. Herein, we review the anatomy of the anterior skull base, the pathophysiology of traumatic CSF leak of the anterior skull base, and clinical evaluation of a patient with suspected CSF leak.