Recurrent Meningitis in the Context of an Encephalocele

Recurrent meningitis in adults with an encephalocele is an uncommon occurrence. We present a case of a 57-year-old female with recurrent meningitis upon a new discovery of a sphenoidal encephalocele. In this case, the patient did not exhibit recurrent meningitis until 10 years after a fall injury not associated with direct head trauma. However, her fall did result in a temporary loss of consciousness. She began to have spontaneous intermittent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and headaches throughout the following 10 years without any diagnosis of meningitis. We discuss the causes of subsequent recurrent meningitis associated with CSF leakage and encephaloceles.