Meningitis - tuberculous

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Central nervous system

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Meningitis - tuberculous

Definition:

Tuberculous meningitis is an infection of the meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). It is caused by the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Alternative Names:

Tubercular meningitis; TB meningitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tuberculous meningitis is caused by spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from another site in the body. The symptoms usually begin gradually. Risk factors include a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, excessive alcohol use, AIDS, or other disorders that compromise the immune system.

Tuberculous meningitis is a very rare disorder.

Review Date: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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