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Today, 22 November 2009

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Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

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› Henry offers replay

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Question

Please can I have some information on TB meningitis?

Answer

Tuberculosis (TB), can occur in any part of the body. Meningitis caused by TB is one of the more serious complications of TB infection.

The symptoms of this are extremely variable, and TB meningitis should always be considered with odd symptoms in any case of TB.

There may be lethargy, change in temperament, headache and vomiting, the latter indicating raised pressure around the brain. Vomiting is particularly common. There may also be sudden onset of fits if the vessels of the brain are affected. Mental deterioration, drowsiness and cranial nerve palsies may be associated with what is called a cerebral tuberculoma, which is a mass of TB within the brain itself.

It is diagnosed by examining the cerebro-spinal fluid.

Treatment is in hospital to start with where anti-tuberculous drugs are given along with drugs which will lower any increase in pressure around the brain, and a drug which counteracts a hormone imbalance which affects salt and water metabolism.

Treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs is for a total of 18 months, particularly in children, who have been known to relapse and die if treatment is stopped earlier.

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