How is TB meningitis diagnosed?

How is TB meningitis diagnosed?

How is TB meningitis diagnosed?

Other tests that may be done include:

  1. Biopsy of the brain or meninges (rare)
  2. Blood culture.
  3. Chest x-ray.
  4. CSF examination for cell count, glucose, and protein.
  5. CT scan of the head.
  6. Gram stain, other special stains, and culture of CSF.
  7. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of CSF.
  8. Skin test for TB (PPD)

Is TB meningitis curable?

How is TB meningitis treated? Due to the slow progression and non-specific early symptoms of TB meningitis, diagnosis can be difficult. However, research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the outcome of the disease.

How is TB meningitis treated?

Empiric treatment should include at least four first-line drugs, preferably isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin or ethambutol; the role of fluoroquinolones remains to be determined. Adjunctive treatment with corticosteroids has been shown to improve mortality with TBM.

How does TB cause meningitis?

Tuberculous (TB) meningitis occurs when tuberculosis bacteria (Myobacterium tuberculosis ) invade the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

What are the stages of TB meningitis?

Stage 1 is considered alert, stage 2 is lethargy, and stage 3 is coma. The typical patient will present with several weeks of headache, fever, and a subacute alteration in mental status.

How long is TB meningitis contagious?

Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral; depending on the bacterial genus causing the infection, it may be contagious during the incubation period and for about an additional seven to 14 days. And they can be contagious for much longer (many days to months) if the person becomes a carrier.

How long does it take to treat TB meningitis?

The duration of conventional therapy is 6-9 months, although some investigators still recommend as many as 24 months of therapy. No guidelines exist as to the components and duration of treatment in the case of multidrug-resistant TBM.

What a TB patient should not eat?

What to Avoid When You Have Active Tuberculosis

  • Skip tobacco in all forms.
  • Don’t drink alcohol — it can add to the risk of liver damage from some of the drugs used to treat your TB.
  • Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
  • Limit refined products, like sugar, white breads, and white rice.