Skip to main content

Tuberculous Meningitis

 Tuberculous Meningitis


Disease Overview

Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) is a form of meningitis characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord and caused by a specific bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In TBM, the disorder develops gradually. Treatment with antibiotics and other drugs is usually effective against the infection.

Signs & Symptoms

Tuberculous Meningitis involves the central nervous system. Headaches and behavioral changes may be noticed initially. Fever, headache, a stiff neck, and vomiting may also occur. Symptoms among older children and adults may progress from irritability to confusion, drowsiness, and stupor, possibly leading to coma.

Untreated, this disorder can lead to seizures, hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain cavity), deafness, mental retardation, paralysis of one side of the body (hemiparesis) and other neurological abnormalities. (For more information on this disorder, choose “hydrocephalus” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database).

Diagnosis is made by examination of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Causes

Tuberculous Meningitis is a rare complication that occurs in some patients who have or have had tuberculosis (TB), especially miliary tuberculosis. It can also occur in people who have been exposed to the bacteria that causes TB. This form of meningitis is caused by a specific bacteria known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. (For more information on tuberculosis, choose “tuberculosis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database).

Disorders with Similar Symptoms

Symptoms of the following disorders may resemble those of Tuberculous Meningitis. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

In general, Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. This inflammation may be caused by different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, malignant tumors, or reactions to certain injections into the spinal canal. (For more information on other forms of meningitis, choose “meningitis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Encephalitis is an infection of the brain which is brought on by one of several different types of viruses. Encephalitis may also be caused by hypersensitivity initiated by some other non-viral, foreign protein. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of TBM, such as a stiff neck, altered reflexes, confusion, speech disorders, convulsions, paralysis and coma. (For more information choose “Encephalitis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Standard Therapies

Meningitis is usually treated with antibiotic drugs used against the bacteria causing the infection. These may include isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin, and ethambutol. Treatment should last for at least 9 months to one year. Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone may also be of benefit.

TYPE OF DOCTOR AND DEPARTMENT : NEUROLOGIST SPECIALIST CAN DIAGNOSE THIS DISEASE.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Charge Syndrome

Overview CHARGE syndrome is a recognizable genetic syndrome with known pattern of features. It is an extremely complex syndrome, involving extensive medical and physical difficulties that differ from child to child. CHARGE syndrome is correlated with genetic mutation to CHD7 and the prevalence of CHARGE syndrome is 1:10,000-1:15,000 live births. Babies with CHARGE syndrome are often born with life-threatening birth defects. They spend many months in the hospital and undergo many surgeries and other treatments. Swallowing and breathing problems make life difficult even when they come home. Most have hearing two little girls sitting on a carpet, one girl has a trach and is biting her finger.loss, vision loss, and balance problems that delay their development and communication. Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, children with CHARGE syndrome often far surpass their medical, physical, educational, and social expectations. One of the hidden features of CHARGE syndrome is the ...
7 comments
Read more

Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome Overview Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva. Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Symptoms The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are: Dry eyes . Your eyes might burn, itch or feel gritty — as if there's sand in them. Dry mouth. Your mouth might feel like it's full of cotton, making it difficult to swallow or speak. Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also have one or more of the following: Joint pain, swel...
Post a Comment
Read more

Aarskog syndrome

  Aarskog syndrome is a very rare disease that affects a person's height, muscles, skeleton, genitals, and appearance. It can be passed down through families (inherited). Causes Aarskog syndrome is a genetic disorder that is linked to the X chromosome. It affects mainly males, but females may have a milder form. The condition is caused by changes (mutations) in a gene called "faciogenital dysplasia" (FGD1). Symptoms Symptoms of this condition include: Belly button that sticks out Bulge in the groin or scrotum Delayed sexual maturity Delayed teeth Downward palpebral slant to eyes (palpebral slant is the direction of the slant from the outer to inner corner of the eye) Hairline with a "widow's peak" Mildly sunken chest Mild to moderate mental problems Mild to moderate short height which may not be obvious until the child is 1 to 3 years old Poorly developed middle section of the face Rounded face Scrotum surrounds the penis (shawl scrotum) Short fingers and to...
Post a Comment
Read more