MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Subdural effusion

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Subdural effusion

Contents of this page:
Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Definition

A subdural effusion is a collection of pus beneath the outer membrane covering the brain that follows aggressive forms of bacterial meningitis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A subdural effusion is a rare complication of bacterial meningitis. Subdural effusion is more common in meningitis caused by Hemophilus influenzae and in infants.

Some signs of effusion are similar to those of meningitis, but these follow the disease rather than accompany it. In infants, signs include fever, lethargy, bulging fontanelles, separated sutures, and increasing head circumference. The effusion may cause fever to persist past the expected time after antibiotic treatment.

Increased pressure on the brain due to the effusion can cause lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.

Symptoms

Bulging fontanelles
Separated sutures
Increased head circumference
Persistent fever
Vomiting
Seizures
Lethargy
Weakness

Signs and tests

There is often a history of recent bacterial meningitis. Tests include the following:

Treatment

Surgical drainage of the effusion is often necessary. Rarely, a permanent drainage device (shunt) is required to drain fluid if fluid is persistent and causes recurrent problems. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery from the effusion is expected. If there are lasting neurological problems, these are generally caused by the meningitis, not the effusion. Extended use of antibiotic therapy is usually necessary.

Complications

Complications from surgery include bleeding, infection, and damage to underlying brain structures, which can result in temporary or permanent neurologic deficits.

Seizures may occur after bacterial meningitis and may require prolonged treatment with medications.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child has recently been treated for meningitis and symptoms persist or if new symptoms develop.

Update Date: 2/21/2003

Updated by: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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