Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks of the Skull Base: Physiology and Pathophysiology

Ryan K Thorpe; Jarrett E Walsh

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2025.12.007

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Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks of the Skull Base: Physiology and Pathophysiology

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks of the Skull Base: Physiology and Pathophysiology

Ryan K Thorpe and Jarrett E Walsh

Otolaryngologic clinics of North America

02/09/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2025.12.007

PMID: 41667314

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Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless body fluid present within the central nervous system. CSF carries out essential functions in the central nervous system through maintenance of homeostasis, protection from trauma, and control of development. Classic experiments on CSF production postulated that CSF is produced in the choroid plexus and absorbed in the arachnoid granulations, but modern studies suggest that CSF is produced and absorbed through the entirety of the neuroaxis, with its movement primarily dependent on the cardiac cycle. This review will cover current concepts of CSF physiology and pathophysiology of CSF leaks of the skull base.

Neurosurgery

Rhinology

Anterior skull base surgery

CSF physiology

Neurotology

Cerebrospinal fluid

Lateral skull base surgery

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Details

Title: Subtitle: Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks of the Skull Base: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Creators: Ryan K Thorpe - Duke University
Jarrett E Walsh - Washington University in St. Louis
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2025.12.007
PMID: 41667314
NLM abbreviation: Otolaryngol Clin North Am
ISSN: 0030-6665
eISSN: 1557-8259
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 02/09/2026
Academic Unit: Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9985139297902771

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