Tuberculous meningitis: Difference between revisions

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== Tuberculous Meningitis ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Tuberculous-meningitis-scan.jpg|thumb|MRI scan showing tuberculous meningitis]]
| name                    = Tuberculous meningitis
[[File:Tuberculous-meningitis-autopsy.jpg|thumb|Autopsy findings in tuberculous meningitis]]
| image                  = [[File:Tuberculous-meningitis-scan.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption                = MRI scan showing tuberculous meningitis
| field                  = [[Infectious disease]]
| symptoms                = [[Headache]], [[fever]], [[neck stiffness]], [[confusion]], [[vomiting]]
| complications          = [[Hydrocephalus]], [[stroke]], [[seizures]]
| onset                  = Gradual
| duration                = Weeks to months
| causes                  = [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]
| risks                  = [[HIV/AIDS]], [[immunosuppression]], [[malnutrition]]
| diagnosis              = [[Lumbar puncture]], [[CSF analysis]], [[MRI]]
| differential            = [[Bacterial meningitis]], [[viral meningitis]], [[fungal meningitis]]
| prevention              = [[BCG vaccine]], [[tuberculosis control]]
| treatment              = [[Antitubercular therapy]], [[corticosteroids]]
| medication              = [[Isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[pyrazinamide]], [[ethambutol]]
| prognosis              = Variable, depends on stage at diagnosis
| frequency              = More common in [[developing countries]]
| deaths                  = High if untreated
}}
[[File:Tuberculous-meningitis-autopsy.jpg|left|thumb|Autopsy findings in tuberculous meningitis]]
'''Tuberculous meningitis''' is a form of [[meningitis]] caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]], the bacterium responsible for [[tuberculosis]]. It is a serious condition that affects the [[meninges]], the protective membranes covering the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]].
'''Tuberculous meningitis''' is a form of [[meningitis]] caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]], the bacterium responsible for [[tuberculosis]]. It is a serious condition that affects the [[meninges]], the protective membranes covering the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]].
== Signs and Symptoms ==
== Signs and Symptoms ==
The symptoms of tuberculous meningitis can develop gradually over several weeks. Early symptoms may include [[fever]], [[headache]], [[nausea]], and [[vomiting]]. As the disease progresses, patients may experience [[neck stiffness]], [[confusion]], [[seizures]], and [[coma]].
The symptoms of tuberculous meningitis can develop gradually over several weeks. Early symptoms may include [[fever]], [[headache]], [[nausea]], and [[vomiting]]. As the disease progresses, patients may experience [[neck stiffness]], [[confusion]], [[seizures]], and [[coma]].
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
Tuberculous meningitis occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads from the lungs to the [[central nervous system]]. The bacteria can enter the [[bloodstream]] and reach the meninges, causing inflammation and the formation of [[tuberculomas]]. This inflammation can lead to increased [[intracranial pressure]] and [[hydrocephalus]].
Tuberculous meningitis occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads from the lungs to the [[central nervous system]]. The bacteria can enter the [[bloodstream]] and reach the meninges, causing inflammation and the formation of [[tuberculomas]]. This inflammation can lead to increased [[intracranial pressure]] and [[hydrocephalus]].
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is challenging and often requires a combination of clinical assessment, [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) analysis, and imaging studies such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]]. CSF analysis typically shows elevated [[protein]] levels, low [[glucose]] levels, and a high [[white blood cell]] count with a predominance of [[lymphocytes]].
Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is challenging and often requires a combination of clinical assessment, [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) analysis, and imaging studies such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]]. CSF analysis typically shows elevated [[protein]] levels, low [[glucose]] levels, and a high [[white blood cell]] count with a predominance of [[lymphocytes]].
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
The treatment of tuberculous meningitis involves a prolonged course of [[antitubercular therapy]] (ATT), which includes drugs such as [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[pyrazinamide]], and [[ethambutol]]. [[Corticosteroids]] may also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
The treatment of tuberculous meningitis involves a prolonged course of [[antitubercular therapy]] (ATT), which includes drugs such as [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[pyrazinamide]], and [[ethambutol]]. [[Corticosteroids]] may also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis of tuberculous meningitis depends on the stage at which treatment is initiated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome. Delayed treatment can lead to severe neurological damage or death.
The prognosis of tuberculous meningitis depends on the stage at which treatment is initiated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome. Delayed treatment can lead to severe neurological damage or death.
== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==
Tuberculous meningitis is more common in regions with high rates of tuberculosis, such as [[sub-Saharan Africa]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. It is also more prevalent in individuals with [[HIV/AIDS]] due to their compromised immune systems.
Tuberculous meningitis is more common in regions with high rates of tuberculosis, such as [[sub-Saharan Africa]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. It is also more prevalent in individuals with [[HIV/AIDS]] due to their compromised immune systems.
 
== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Tuberculosis]]
* [[Tuberculosis]]
* [[Meningitis]]
* [[Meningitis]]
* [[Central nervous system]]
* [[Central nervous system]]
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
<gallery>
File:Tuberculous-meningitis-scan.jpg|MRI scan showing tuberculous meningitis
File:Tuberculous-meningitis-autopsy.jpg|Autopsy findings of tuberculous meningitis
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 14:47, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Tuberculous meningitis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, vomiting
Complications Hydrocephalus, stroke, seizures
Onset Gradual
Duration Weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Risks HIV/AIDS, immunosuppression, malnutrition
Diagnosis Lumbar puncture, CSF analysis, MRI
Differential diagnosis Bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, fungal meningitis
Prevention BCG vaccine, tuberculosis control
Treatment Antitubercular therapy, corticosteroids
Medication Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol
Prognosis Variable, depends on stage at diagnosis
Frequency More common in developing countries
Deaths High if untreated


Autopsy findings in tuberculous meningitis

Tuberculous meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. It is a serious condition that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Signs and Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of tuberculous meningitis can develop gradually over several weeks. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, patients may experience neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, and coma.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Tuberculous meningitis occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads from the lungs to the central nervous system. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and reach the meninges, causing inflammation and the formation of tuberculomas. This inflammation can lead to increased intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is challenging and often requires a combination of clinical assessment, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan. CSF analysis typically shows elevated protein levels, low glucose levels, and a high white blood cell count with a predominance of lymphocytes.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of tuberculous meningitis involves a prolonged course of antitubercular therapy (ATT), which includes drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Corticosteroids may also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis of tuberculous meningitis depends on the stage at which treatment is initiated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome. Delayed treatment can lead to severe neurological damage or death.

Epidemiology[edit]

Tuberculous meningitis is more common in regions with high rates of tuberculosis, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It is also more prevalent in individuals with HIV/AIDS due to their compromised immune systems.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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