Papilloedema and cranial nerve palsies complicating apparent benign aseptic meningitis

Abstract

Three patients who presented with apparently uncomplicated aseptic meningitis subsequently developed papilloedema and sixth cranial nerve palsies between 11 and 16 days after the onset of the illness. All three patients recovered completely without treatment. Raised intracranial pressure is a poorly recognized complication of aseptic meningitis that may represent a post-infective or 'allergic' response to an enteroviral infection. While clinicians should be aware of this possible complication of aseptic meningitis, differentiation from tuberculous meningitis may be difficult necessitating empirical treatment with anti-TB drugs.