Unusual Case of Brain Leakage Misdiagnosed as Common Cold

In an unusual medical case, a 20-year-old man from Syria, who had suffered from a persistent runny nose for six years, discovered the real cause behind his condition: a brain leakage.

The man, who also experienced headaches and seizures, initially thought the runny nose was a symptom of a cold, but it was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking through a hole in his skull. The fluid, which protects the brain and spine, had been seeping into his nasal cavity.

Diagnosing the brain leakage

The issue started after the man sustained a head injury in a car accident six years ago. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with traumatic encephalocele, a condition where brain matter protrudes through holes in the skull, often into areas like the nasal cavity. Typically, encephalocele is a rare birth defect, but in this case, it resulted from an accident. Initially, after the accident, the man had refused treatment for his injuries. However, two months before visiting the hospital for his runny nose, he developed meningoencephalitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Medical imaging reveals skull fracture and brain protrusion

After being admitted to the intensive care unit, doctors performed an MRI scan that revealed a skull fracture and an encephalocele in the man’s nasal cavity. His brain tissue and meninges, which protect the brain and spine, were found to be protruding through the fracture, with significant expansion on the right side of his brain.

Despite being advised to undergo surgery to repair the fracture, the man initially refused. He returned to the hospital two months later and finally agreed to the operation.

Surgical repair and recovery

During surgery, neurosurgeons repositioned the man’s brain tissue and repaired the damaged meninges. The fracture at the base of his skull was reconstructed using medical-grade cement and glue. After a successful procedure, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged two days later. This case highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluation, especially in the aftermath of head injuries, as seemingly minor symptoms can indicate serious underlying conditions.