Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Neurological complications of miliary tuberculosis
Ravindra Kumar Garg1, Rohitash Sharma, Alok Mohan Kar
1Department of Neurology, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India. garg50@yahoo.com <garg50@yahoo.com>
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Miliary tuberculosis frequently causes central nervous system issues like tuberculous meningitis and cerebral tuberculomas. Most patients with these neurological complications showed improvement after antituberculous treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Miliary tuberculosis commonly affects the central nervous system, presenting with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Neurological involvement in miliary tuberculosis requires comprehensive evaluation and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the spectrum of neurological manifestations in patients with miliary tuberculosis.
- To assess the outcomes of antituberculous treatment for these neurological complications.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 miliary tuberculosis patients with neurological symptoms underwent detailed neurological examination.
- Diagnostic workup included blood tests, HIV serology, CSF analysis, and neuroimaging (brain and spinal cord).
- Patients were followed for 6 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Tuberculous meningitis was diagnosed in 80% of patients; cerebral tuberculomas were found in 27 patients.
- Spinal cord involvement included spinal tuberculomas and myelopathy in 15% of cases.
- Overall, 52% of patients showed significant improvement, while 25% expired.
Conclusions:
- Neurological complications, particularly tuberculous meningitis and cerebral tuberculomas, are frequent in miliary tuberculosis.
- Antituberculous treatment leads to significant improvement in the majority of affected patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing neurological sequelae of miliary tuberculosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
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...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...