Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:35
Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Cerebral tuberculoma presenting as flexion spasms.
Cristina L Martins1, José Paulo Monteiro, Sofia Sarafana
1Neuropediatric Unit, Pediatric Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal. cristins@netcabo.pt
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 2, 2007
Summary
Infantile spasms in a 10-month-old girl were successfully treated with surgery and antituberculous therapy for a rare tuberculoma. The exact transmission route of Mycobacterium tuberculosis remained undetermined.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infantile spasms are a severe epilepsy syndrome in infants.
- Tuberculoma is a rare manifestation of central nervous system tuberculosis.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old female presented with refractory infantile spasms.
- Video electroencephalography (EEG) showed focal epileptic activity.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple annular lesions.
Findings:
- Surgical excision confirmed tuberculoma as the cause of epilepsy.
- Antituberculous therapy led to a favorable clinical outcome.
- The mode of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission was unclear, with congenital and postnatal acquisition considered.
Implications:
- This case highlights tuberculoma as a treatable cause of infantile spasms.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to positive neurological outcomes.
- Further research may be needed to understand Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...