Causes & Risk Factors
Meningitis
Meningitis is infection or inflammation of the membranes around the brain, which can cause hydrocephalus by impairing CSF flow and absorption.
In short: Meningitis
- It is infection or inflammation of the meninges.
- It can scar the CSF pathways and absorption sites.
- This can cause hydrocephalus, often the communicating type.
- A small percentage of children with bacterial meningitis develop hydrocephalus.
What it is
Meningitis is infection or inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, can lead to hydrocephalus as a complication.
Understanding Meningitis
When the meninges are inflamed by infection, the resulting inflammation and scarring can clog the CSF pathways and the sites of CSF absorption (such as the arachnoid granulations), impairing CSF flow and absorption. This can cause hydrocephalus, often the communicating type. Studies estimate that roughly 1% of children who survive bacterial meningitis develop hydrocephalus, though figures vary. Meningitis-related (post-infectious) hydrocephalus is an important cause worldwide, particularly where infections are common. Prompt treatment of meningitis and monitoring for complications are important.
Why it matters
Understanding meningitis as a cause helps families see why this infection can lead to hydrocephalus by scarring the CSF pathways, and why children who have had meningitis may be monitored for developing hydrocephalus.
Common questions
How can meningitis cause hydrocephalus?
By scarring the CSF pathways and absorption sites.
What type of hydrocephalus results?
Often the communicating type.
How often does it happen?
Roughly 1% of children surviving bacterial meningitis, though figures vary.
Bottom line
Meningitis can cause hydrocephalus by scarring the CSF pathways and absorption sites, often producing the communicating type.
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