$Unique_ID{BRK03996} $Pretitle{} $Title{Meningitis, Tuberculous} $Subject{Meningitis Tuberculous Tuberculous Meningitis TBM Meningitis Encephalitis } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 806: Meningitis, Tuberculous ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Meningitis, Tuberculous) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Tuberculous Meningitis TBM Information on the following disorders may be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Meningitis Encephalitis General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) is a form of meningitis caused by a specific bacteria known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. This inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). In Tuberculous Meningitis, the disorder develops gradually. Symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. Treatment with antibiotics and other drugs is usually effective against the infection. 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, "communicating 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 communicating hydrocephalus, choose "hydrocephalus" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Testing for Tuberculous Meningitis may include imaging techniques such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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). Affected Population Tuberculous Meningitis is a rare complication that occurs in some patients who have or have had tuberculosis (TB), or were exposed to the TB bacteria. It is usually found in children aged one to five years although it may occur at any age. Related Disorders 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 a brain infection. There are different types of this disorder which are caused by different types of viruses. Encephalitis may also be caused by hypersensitivity initiated by a virus or other protein that is foreign to the body. Symptoms may include headache, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and/or general weakness. This disorder may have some symptoms similar to those of Meningitis 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). Therapies: Standard 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. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through August 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Tuberculous Meningitis, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-5717 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 (404) 639-3534 References CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 18th Ed.: James B. Wyngaarden, and Lloyd H. Smith, Jr., Editors; W.B. Saunders Co., 1988. Pp. 1691. INTERNAL MEDICINE, 2nd Ed.: Jay H. Stein, ed.-in-chief; Little, Brown and Co., 1987. Pp. 1497, 1502. THE MERCK MANUAL, Volume 1, 15th Ed.: Robert Berkow, M.D., ed.-in-chief; Merck, Sharp, and Dohme Laboratories, 1987. Pp. 121-122. Gd-DTPA-ENHANCED MR IMAGING OF THE BRAIN IN PATIENTS WITH MENINGITIS: COMPARISON WITH CT. K. H. Chang, et al.; AJR Am J Roentgenol (April 1990; issue 154 (4)). Pp. 809-816. TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN: TREATMENT WITH ISONIAZID AND RIFAMPICIN FOR TWELVE MONTHS. P. Visudhiphan and S. Chiemchanya; J Pediatr (May 1989; issue 114 (5)). Pp. 875-879.