Facts about TB meningitis

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a contagious airborne disease that we usually associate with lung infection.

TB IS caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacterium can travel through the bloodstream if the TB infection is not treated quickly. It can infect other organs and tissues in the body.

Sometimes, the bacterium will travel to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). Infection of the meninges can result in the development of a life-threatening condition known as meningeal tuberculosis which is also known as TB meningitis.

TB and TB meningitis can develop in children and adults of all ages. However, people with specific health prob- lems are at greater risk for developing these conditions. Risk factors for TB meningitis include having a history of:

◆ HIV and Aids

◆ excessive alcohol use

◆ weakened immune system

◆ diabetes mellitus

Young children below four years are most likely to develop this condition.

Symptoms of TB meningitis typically appear slowly at first.

They become more severe over a period of weeks. During the early stages of the infection, symptoms typically include fatigue, malaise and a low grade fever.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms will become more serious. Classic symptoms of meningitis (e.g., stiff neck, headache, light sensitivity) are not always present. Instead, you may experience the following symptoms:

◆ fever

◆ changes in mental status (confusion)

◆ nausea and vomiting

◆ lethargy

◆ irritability

◆ unconsciousness

The complications of TB meningitis are significant, and in some cases life-threatening. They include seizures, hearing loss, brain damage, raised pressure in the brain, stroke and death.

Increased pressure in the brain can cause permanent and irreversible brain damage. TB meningitis can be treated with the same drugs used to treat lung TB. Your doctor may also prescribe sys- temic steroids which will reduce complications associated with the condition. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may last as long as 12 months.

In some cases, you may need to receive treatment in the hospital.

The best way to prevent TB meningitis is to prevent TB infections.

In communities where TB is common, the Bacillus Calmette- Guérin (BCG) vaccine helps control the spread of the disease. This vaccine is effective for controlling TB infections in young children.

Should you get TB meningitis, your outlook will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how quickly you seek treatment. Getting an early diagnosis will enable your doctor to provide treatment.

If treatment is received before complications develop, the outlook will be good. Outlook for people that develop brain damage or stroke with TB meningitis is not as good.

Developing increased intracranial pressure is a strong indication of a poor outlook for a person. Brain damage will be permanent and will impact health over the long term.

It’s also important to note that you can develop this infection more than once and your doctor will need to monitor you after you’re treated for TB meningitis so they can detect the infection as early as possible.

If you are worried about TB meningitis please visit your doctor.