Meningitis - tuberculous

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Central nervous system

Tubercular meningitis; TB meningitis

Treatment involves use of several antitubercular drugs at the same time, as it does for pulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment usually lasts for at least 12 months. Systemic steroids may also be used.

Tuberculous meningitis is fatal if untreated. Long-term follow up is necessary to detect recurrences (repeated infections).

Brain damage resulting from the infection may cause motor paralysis, seizures, mental impairment, and abnormal behavior.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you suspect you or your child may have any form of meningitis. This condition can rapidly cause disability or death.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.