Tuberculosis meningitis
Tuberculosis meningitis Causes
The disease is caused by the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the brain from another site of the body.
Tuberculosis meningitis Definition
The most common form of CNS tuberculosis, Tuberculosis meningitis is an infection of the meninges, or the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a very rare disorder.
Tuberculosis meningitis Diagnosis
In diagnosing TB meningitis, CSF collected by lumbar puncture is analyzed. The CSF sample collected should be at least 1ml of fluid but the ideal amount is 5 to 10 ml. Though a rare finding, the CSF collected has spiderweb clot characteristic. Individuals with TB meningitis are started on treatment even before the diagnosis of the disease since the culture of TB from CSF takes at least 2 weeks. A nucleic acid amplification test or NAAT may also be performed as well as imaging such as CT or MRI. Imaging tests however, cannot diagnose the disease but may show features that strongly suggest TB meningitis.
Tuberculosis meningitis Symptoms and Signs
There are several symptoms related to Tuberculous meningitis namely seizures, fever, listlessness, loss of appetite, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light or photophobia, and loss of consciousness.
Tuberculosis meningitis Treatment
In treating Tuberculous meningitis, systemic steroids may be used. The use of several antitubercular drugs is also included in the treatment, just like in pulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment also lasts for at least 12 months.