Draining Clear Fluid From the Nose After a Head Injury?

After getting into a car crash, you may find yourself dealing with a head injury. Head injuries are among the most common types of post-crash injuries, along with damage to the neck and back.

But some head injuries are much more serious than others. This includes a head injury that leaves you draining clear fluid from your nose or ears.

Leaking of cerebrospinal fluid

MedlinePlus discusses the impact of a head injury on the brain. Head injuries can affect the brain in many different ways depending on numerous factors, such as the overall health of the victim at the time of the incident, the force behind the injuring blow, and the location of the injury.

A severe head injury – or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) – may involve a unique type of leakage. If you notice clear fluid coming from your nose or ears after taking a blow to the head, this is likely cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid surrounds your brain within your skull, providing nutrients, removing toxins and cushioning your brain from movement.

Repercussions of a leak

In a particularly traumatic incident, the skull can end up so damaged that this fluid begins to escape from the interior, leaving through orifices in the face. Though large quantities will likely not end up lost in this manner, it can still deprive the brain of vital nutrients and cause cell death.

Seeing cerebrospinal fluid is a sign that you have suffered from tremendous damage to the skull, and likely to the brain as well. It is an indication that you should seek immediate medical treatment, as such a severe brain injury could easily threaten your life or leave you dealing with permanent complications.