Learn About 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.
A subdural effusion is a rare complication of meningitis caused by bacteria. Subdural effusion is more common in infants.
It may also occur after head trauma.
Symptoms may include:
- Outward curving of a baby's skull's soft spot (bulging fontanelle)
- Abnormally wide spaces in the bony joints of a baby's skull (separated sutures)
- Increased head circumference
- Low energy (lethargy)
- Persistent fever
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Weakness or loss of movement on both sides of the body
Surgery to drain the effusion is often necessary. The fluid is usually tested. 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 an infection
Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
Dr. Eric Jackson specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with a broad range of neurosurgical disorders, including congenital malformations of the brain and spine, hydrocephalus (including endoscopic treatment), chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, spinal dysraphism/tethered cord, brain and spinal cord tumors, and traumatic brain injuries. He is the Principal Investigator for several multi-institution research studies, including: Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network: currently investigating endoscopic surgery vs shunting for the treatment of hydrocephalus in infants in a $10M randomized trial funded by the NIH Park Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium Advancing the treatment for pediatric craniopharyngioma, identifying biological targets for molecular therapy A multi-institutional trial investigating a non-invasive eye tracking device for assessing increased intracranial pressure. Dr. Jackson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subdural Effusion. His top areas of expertise are Hydrocephalus, Chiari Malformation, Chiari Malformation Type 2, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Endoscopy.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Dr. Doris Da May Lin is an Associate Professor in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Radiology and Radiological Science. She specializes in neuroradiology. Dr. Lin received her B.A. in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, and then pursued a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree at the Yale University School of Medicine, with graduate training in the neurosciences. She completed a medical internship at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and a diagnostic radiology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell. After a two-year neuroradiology fellowship, she joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Lin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subdural Effusion. Her top areas of expertise are Parkes Weber Syndrome, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Subdural Effusion, Meningioma, and Endovascular Embolization.
Caiyun Wang practices in Hangzhou, China. Wang is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Subdural Effusion. Their top areas of expertise are Subdural Effusion, Pneumococcal Meningitis, Empyema, and Bacterial Meningitis.
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.
Complications of surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Brain damage
- Infection
Contact your provider if:
- Your child has recently been treated for meningitis and symptoms continue
- New symptoms develop
Published Date: August 19, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. 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.
De Vries LS, Volpe JJ. Bacterial and fungal intracranial infections. In: Volpe JJ, ed. Volpe's Neurology of the Newborn. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 39.
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, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 381.