Subdural effusion
A subdural effusion is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) trapped between the surface of the brain and the outer lining of the brain (the dura matter). If this fluid becomes infected, the condition is called a subdural empyema.
Causes
A subdural effusion is a rare complication of meningitis caused by bacteria. Subdural effusion is more common in infants.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.
Subdural effusion may also occur after head trauma.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Outward curving of a baby's skull's soft spot (bulging fontanelle)
Bulging fontanelle
A bulging fontanelle is an outward curving of an infant's soft spot (fontanelle).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Abnormally wide spaces in the bony joints of a baby's skull (separated sutures)
Separated sutures
Separated sutures are abnormally wide spaces in the bony joints of the skull in an infant.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Increased head circumference
- Low energy (lethargy)
Lethargy
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Persistent fever
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Seizures
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Vomiting
- Weakness or loss of movement on both sides of the body
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms.
To detect the subdural effusion, tests that may be done include:
-
CT scan of the head
CT scan of the head
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Head size (circumference) measurements
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MRI scan of the head
MRI scan of the head
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
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Ultrasound of the head
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.
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Treatment
Surgery to drain the effusion is often necessary. In rare cases, a permanent drainage device (shunt) is needed to drain fluid. Antibiotics may need to be given through a vein.
Treatment may include:
- Surgery to drain the effusion
- Drainage device, called a shunt, left in place for a short time or longer time
- Antibiotics given through a vein to treat the infection
Outlook (Prognosis)
Full recovery from a subdural effusion is expected. If nervous system problems continue, they are generally due to the meningitis, not the effusion. Long-term antibiotics are usually not needed.
Possible Complications
Complications of surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Brain damage
- Infection
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
- Your child has recently been treated for meningitis and symptoms continue
- New symptoms develop
References
De Vries LS, Volpe JJ. Bacterial and fungal intracranial infections. In: Volpe JJ, Inder TE, Darras BT, et al, eds. Volpe's Neurology of the Newborn. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 35.
Kim KS. Bacterial meningitis beyond the neonatal period. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 31.
Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 384.
Review Date: 7/26/2022
Reviewed By: Evelyn O. Berman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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