External ventricular drainage for community-acquired meningitis or ventriculitis to measure and treat ICP may be indicated for comatose patients who are not localizing pain 1).
EVD is sometimes employed for administering intrathecal antibiotics. Decompressive craniectomy may be considered for ICP refractory to medical management and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. EVD may also be needed for acute hydrocephalus, which is not uncommon with cryptococcal meningitis
1)
Edberg M, Furebring M, Sjolin J, et al.
Neurointensive care of patients with severe community-acquired meningitis. Acta Anaesthesiol
Scand. 2011; 55:732–739