Tuberculous meningitis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tuberculous meningitis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the meninges. It is the most common form of CNS tuberculosis.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Fever and headache are the cardinal features. Confusion is a late feature and coma bears a poor prognosis. Meningism is absent in a fifth of patients with TB meningitis. Patients may also have focal neurological deficits.
Laboratory Findings
Diagnosis of TB meningitis is made by analysing CSF collected by lumbar puncture. When collecting CSF for suspected TB meningitis, a minimum of 1ml of fluid should be taken (preferably 5 to 10ml).
CT
Imaging studies such as CT or MRI may show features strongly suggestive of TB meningitis, but cannot diagnose it.