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Triphasic waves in a patient with tuberculous meningitis
Shingo Konno1, Hideki Sugimoto, Hiroshi Nemoto
1Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Japan. d500372@oha.toho-u.ac.jp
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|February 2, 2010
Summary
This case study reports the first instance of triphasic waves (TWs) on electroencephalogram (EEG) in a patient with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Treatment with antituberculosis chemotherapy led to the resolution of TWs and overall clinical improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a serious infection affecting the central nervous system.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic tool used to assess brain activity.
- Triphasic waves (TWs) are specific EEG patterns often associated with encephalopathy.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old woman diagnosed with TBM presented with specific EEG abnormalities.
- Initial EEG revealed generalized slowing, frontal bilateral TWs, and delta wave activity.
- No epileptiform activity was noted on the initial or follow-up EEGs.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of triphasic waves (TWs) observed in a patient with tuberculous meningitis (TBM).
- The patient's EEG showed a resolution of TWs and improvement in background activity following antituberculosis chemotherapy.
- Follow-up EEG demonstrated a shift from delta waves to a normal alpha wave pattern.
Implications:
- The presence of TWs may be a potential, albeit rare, EEG finding in TBM.
- EEG monitoring can be valuable in assessing disease progression and treatment response in TBM.
- This finding expands the spectrum of EEG manifestations associated with TBM.
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