THE escape of cerebrospinal fluid through the ear occurs when there is a defect in the dura, the temporal bone, and the eardrum. If the drum remains intact, the fluid will pass through the eustachian tube, into either the pharynx or the nose. When found in the nose, a craniopharyngeal fistula may easily be suspected. Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea is well-known to the general surgeon, the neurosurgeon, and the otologist. It is a common problem and much has been published on this matter; so much that hardly any new ideas can be put forward. In the last few years, several cases of spontaneous and obscure cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea have been reported during stapedectomies. Also, four cases of spontaneous and unexplained otorrhea through the oval window, without any previous ear trauma or surgery, have recently been recorded. A fracture of the temporal bone is the most common cause, the transverse type being