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Published on: April 9, 2012
Tuberculous meningitis: pitfalls in diagnosis
A A Joosten1, P D van der Valk, J A Geelen
1Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is easily missed because the variety of symptoms give rise to problems with the differential diagnosis.
Material:
Five cases of difficult to diagnose tuberculous meningitis are presented.
Results:
Several reasons for the diagnostic delay are highlighted. The fact that tuberculous meningitis is rather rare in developed countries contributes to this problem. Recommendations for a quick diagnosis are given.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in developed countries is often made after a substantial delay. In case of suspicion on the diagnosis additional examination should be performed and treatment should be started immediately.
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