Britannica AI Icon

tuberculous meningitis

pathology

Quick Summary

Tuberculous meningitis is a severe form of tuberculosis that affects the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same pathogen responsible for pulmonary tuberculosis.12

Before the advent of effective antibiotic treatments, tuberculous meningitis was always fatal. While most affected individuals now recover with prompt treatment, it remains a serious condition. The bacteria can spread through the bloodstream from an initial infection elsewhere in the body, reaching the meninges and causing inflammation. Symptoms can include fever, headache, and neurological deficits, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications or death.13

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.