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Tuberculous Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and/or spinal cord caused by an infectious agent (viral, bacterial, or fungal). Symptoms include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, photophobia, confusion, and seizures.

Symptoms of Tuberculous Meningitis

The following features are indicative of Tuberculous Meningitis:
  • fever
  • chills
  • mental status changes
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • photophobia
  • severe headache
  • stiff neck
  • agitation
  • decreased consciousness

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Common Causes of Tuberculous Meningitis

The following are the most common causes of Tuberculous Meningitis:
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Risk Factors for Tuberculous Meningitis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Tuberculous Meningitis:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • drink excessive alcohol
  • tuberculosis of the lung
  • weakened immune system

Prevention of Tuberculous Meningitis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Tuberculous Meningitis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • BCG vaccination

Occurrence of Tuberculous Meningitis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Tuberculous Meningitis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Tuberculous Meningitis can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Tuberculous Meningitis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Tuberculous Meningitis:
  • Blood cultures: To detect and study a particular bacteria
  • Chest X-ray: To get the images of chest, lungs, heart
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: To get pictures of the brain
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: To detect the swelling or inflammation
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): To evaluate sugar level, protein and white blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification: To determine the specific cause and proper treatment

Complications of Tuberculous Meningitis if untreated

Yes, Tuberculous Meningitis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Tuberculous Meningitis is left untreated:
  • brain damage
  • subdural effusion
  • hearing loss
  • hydrocephalus
  • seizures

Self-care for Tuberculous Meningitis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Tuberculous Meningitis:
  • Wash hands thoroughly: Helps to prevent germs
  • Practice good hygiene: Don't share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes
  • Stay healthy: Maintain immune system by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Patient Support for Treatment of Tuberculous Meningitis

The following actions may help Tuberculous Meningitis patients:
  • Support and advocacy groups: Helps connect with other patients and families who can provide valuable services

Time for Treatment of Tuberculous Meningitis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Tuberculous Meningitis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 6 months - 1 year

Is Tuberculous Meningitis Infectious?

Yes, Tuberculous Meningitis is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • spread by close contact with sick person

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Tuberculous Meningitis.

Related Topics

Tuberculous Meningitis

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