Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following nasogastric intubation

This report describes a normal individual who sustained injury to the cribriform plate during nasogastric intubation. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, a potentially fatal complication, resulted and persisted for 5 months until it was surgically corrected. The relevant anatomy is reviewed and the importance of proper technique of nasal cannulation, with minimal or no use of force, or other instruments, is emphasized. The leading end of the tube should not be directed cephalad.