Intracranial subdural empyema (ISDE) is relatively uncommon. It can be difficult to diagnose if it presents with nonspecific findings.
Intracranial subdural empyema is a suppurative infection in the space between the dura and the arachnoid membrane.
Causes may include:
(1) bacterial or fungal sinusitis
(2) otitis media
(3) neurosurgical procedure
(4) head trauma with fracture
(5) bacterial meningitis
(6) unknown
Common clinical findings may include:
(1) fever
(2) headache
(3) vomiting
(4) altered consciousness secondary to raised intracranial pressure
Less common findings include
(5) seizures
(6) focal motor findings
(7) photophobia
(8) neck stiffness
(9) ataxia
(10) dysphasia
Imaging with MRI is helpful in localizing the infection and for planning management.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Neurology
