Brain Tuberculosis : Symptoms, Risk Factors, Causes and Treatment

Brain Tuberculosis : Symptoms, Risk Factors, Causes & Treatment

Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly involves the lungs, but the infection can spread into the brain, liver, ovaries, kidney, spine, and other body parts.

Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly involves the lungs, but the infection can spread into the brain, liver, ovaries, kidney, spine and other body parts.

Tuberculosis in the brain is contagious in nature. It usually involves the meninges of brain and spine (membranes surrounding the brain) this severe form of TB called Tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculoma CNS (central nervous system) may occur either in isolation or along with tuberculous meningitis.

Many people are still unaware about the side effects of tuberculosis.

To fight with TB – You must be aware of changes in your body, and monitor body response.

Being attentive, aware and staying positive is important for an individual with TB and will help you in your battle against TB.

Historical Facts

In Indian history, TB has been mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures and Vedas as KSHAYA ROG.

TB has existed in India for several thousand years and we are battling against TB from ancient times till now.

Causes of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by the mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads from one person to another through tiny infected droplets in the air. The droplets are released through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. The condition spread like a cold and flu.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis-

Fever and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Sudden weight loss
Night sweats and chills
Persistent cough (more than three weeks)
Coughing up phlegm or blood

Symptoms of Brain Tuberculosis May Include-

Mental status change
Nausea and vomiting
Severe headache
Sensitivity to light (Photophobia)
Stiff Neck (meningismus)

In infants - Poor feeding and irritability, opisthotonos (unusual posture with head and neck arched backward) and decreased consciousness.

Risk Factors for Developing Brain Tuberculosis or TB Meningitis

As TB brain or TB meningitis progress slowly after 1-3 weeks.
It can develop in all age groups while certain problems make a person more susceptible to the TB Brain. Children less than 2 years of age, underweight children or malnutrition.
Person with poor immune system like HIV/Aids, diabetes mellitus etc
Smoking
IV drugs and alcohol

Complications of Brain TB

Complications of TB meningitis are significant and life-threatening.

Complications of Tb brain include- seizures, hearing loss, stroke, hydrocephalus, etc

How is TB Brain Diagnosed?

The doctor will examine you for heart rate, fever, mental status, and stiff neck.

Tests may be done for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment planning. These areas -Tuberculin test

AFB test
Culture Mycobacterium Atypical Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium-NTM
X-ray chest
Ultrasound
CT
HRCT
CECT
MRI
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for tuberculosis
Histopathologic examination
Ancillary diagnostic tests
HAINS Mycobacterium Tuberculosis First & Second Line Drug Resistance Profile
Smear Test
Mantoux test
FNAC
Biopsy
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination for cell count, glucose and protein

Treatment of Brain TB

Tuberculosis can be managed effectively. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating Brain TB. Once diagnosed it’s important to start with the treatment and prevent the spread of the disease.

Typically tuberculosis is treated with a combination of anti-tubercular drugs. Appropriate medicine will be prescribed by the doctor. Treatment usually lasts for 6-9 months, but it may take more than 6 months in a few cases.

Best Tuberculosis hospitals provide a DOT (Directly Observed Therapy), A specialist provides medication and monitors to avoid developing resistance of TB drugs. Other than that, your doctor may prescribe Steroids to reduce inflammation.

In severe cases of Brain Tb patients may require hospitalisation, especially in case of frequent loss of consciousness and neurological complications. Hospitalisation of an individual allows a doctor continuous monitoring and treatment adjustments.

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is one of the best Tuberculosis diagnostic centres in Delhi. We provide a wide range of test menu and standardised patient care and experience for tuberculosis diagnostic procedures. We have best specialists and cutting-edge technology under one roof, thus ensuring accurate reports.

Ganesh diagnostic received NABH and NABL certification for their top-class services. For patent comfort we offer Free Home Sample collection Service and Free Ambulance service.

Patients at Ganesh Diagnostic have the opportunity to undergo all modern diagnostic procedures with us. It includes-

X-ray-

Radiography, mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Positron emission tomography(PET), ultrasound, Color Doppler and MRI

Methods of advanced bone scan, stress test and for tuberculosis we have HRCT, CECT.

Laboratory diagnosis of all parameters of blood, fluids, hormone, stool examination and urine examination. Ganesh diagnostic also offers specific biochemical tests as well as tumour marker tests.

Conclusions

Tuberculosis remains a challenge, affecting millions of individuals. The importance of awareness, early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is a key for a disease-free life. The enduring process of complications and drug resistance are challenges of TB. It is our responsibility to develop hope in this ongoing battle.