Objective To retrieve and extract the best evidence for preventing intracranial infections related to external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, and provide evidence-based support for reducing the incidence of intracranial infection caused by external CSF drainage. Methods Evidence-based care issues were determined according to PIPOST, and the best evidence on intracranial infection related to external CSF drainage tube was retrieved from top to bottom. The literature retrieval period was 2013-2023. Quality control of the literatures, as well as extraction and summary of the evidence were carried out by 2 trained graduate students. Results A total of 17 literatures were included in the analysis, including 3 guidelines, 5 expert consensus, 8 systematic reviews, and 1 randomized controlled trial. Management strategies from 3 dimensions (pre-catheterization, in-catheterization and post-catheterization) were obtained, including 20 pieces of evidence for preventing intracranial infection, such as preparation for external CSF drainage tube, precautions during catheterization, and post-catheterization disposal. Conclusion There are differences in the management of external CSF drainage tube in clinical practice. It is necessary to develop unified, standardized, and rational bundle strategies to prevent intracranial infection, so as to reduce the incidence of catheter-related intracranial infection.