Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly involves the lungs, but the infection can spread into the brain, liver, ovaries, kidney, spine, and other body parts.
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly involves the lungs, but the infection can spread into the brain, liver, ovaries, kidney, spine and other body parts.
Tuberculosis in the brain is contagious in nature. It usually involves the meninges of brain and spine (membranes surrounding the brain) this severe form of TB called Tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculoma CNS (central nervous system) may occur either in isolation or along with tuberculous meningitis.
Many people are still unaware about the side effects of tuberculosis.
To fight with TB – You must be aware of changes in your body, and monitor body response.
Being attentive, aware and staying positive is important for an individual with TB and will help you in your battle against TB.
Historical Facts
In Indian history, TB has been mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures and Vedas as KSHAYA ROG.
TB has existed in India for several thousand years and we are battling against TB from ancient times till now.
Causes of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is caused by the mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads from one person to another through tiny infected droplets in the air. The droplets are released through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. The condition spread like a cold and flu.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis-
- Fever and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Night sweats and chills
- Persistent cough (more than three weeks)
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
Symptoms of Brain Tuberculosis May Include-
- Mental status change
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Sensitivity to light (Photophobia)
- Stiff Neck (meningismus)
In infants -Poor feeding and irritability, opisthotonos (unusual posture with head and neck arched backward) and decreased consciousness.
Risk Factors for Developing Brain Tuberculosis or TB Meningitis
- As TB brain or TB meningitis progress slowly after 1-3 weeks.
- It can develop in all age groups while certain problems make a person more susceptible to the TB Brain. Children less than 2 years of age, underweight children or malnutrition.
- Person with poor immune system like HIV/Aids, diabetes mellitus etc
- Smoking
- IV drugs and alcohol
Complications of Brain TB
Complications of TB meningitis are significant and life-threatening.
Complications of Tb brain include- seizures, hearing loss, stroke, hydrocephalus, etc
How is TB Brain Diagnosed?
The doctor will examine you for heart rate, fever, mental status, and stiff neck.
Tests may be done for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment planning. These areas -Tuberculin test
- AFB test
- Culture Mycobacterium Atypical Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium-NTM
- X-ray chest
- Ultrasound
- CT
- HRCT
- CECT
- MRI
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for tuberculosis
- Histopathologic examination
- Ancillary diagnostic tests
- HAINS Mycobacterium Tuberculosis First & Second Line Drug Resistance Profile
- Smear Test
- Mantoux test
- FNAC
- Biopsy
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination for cell count, glucose and protein
Treatment of Brain TB
Tuberculosis can be managed effectively. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating Brain TB. Once diagnosed it’s important to start with the treatment and prevent the spread of the disease.
Typically tuberculosis is treated with a combination of anti-tubercular drugs. Appropriate medicine will be prescribed by the doctor. Treatment usually lasts for 6-9 months, but it may take more than 6 months in a few cases.
Best Tuberculosis hospitals provide a DOT (Directly Observed Therapy), A specialist provides medication and monitors to avoid developing resistance of TB drugs. Other than that, your doctor may prescribe Steroids to reduce inflammation.
In severe cases of Brain Tb patients may require hospitalisation, especially in case of frequent loss of consciousness and neurological complications. Hospitalisation of an individual allows a doctor continuous monitoring and treatment adjustments.
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is one of the best Tuberculosis diagnostic centres in Delhi. We provide a wide range of test menu and standardised patient care and experience for tuberculosis diagnostic procedures. We have best specialists and cutting-edge technology under one roof, thus ensuring accurate reports.
Ganesh diagnostic received NABH and NABL certification for their top-class services. For patent comfort we offer Free Home Sample collection ServiceandFree Ambulance service.
Patients at Ganesh Diagnostic have the opportunity to undergo all modern diagnostic procedures with us. It includes-
X-ray-
Radiography, mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Positron emission tomography(PET), ultrasound, Color Doppler and MRI
Methods of advanced bone scan, stress test and for tuberculosis we have HRCT, CECT.
Laboratory diagnosis of all parameters of blood, fluids, hormone, stool examination and urine examination. Ganesh diagnostic also offers specific biochemical tests as well as tumour marker tests.
Conclusions
Tuberculosis remains a challenge, affecting millions of individuals. The importance of awareness, early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is a key for a disease-free life. The enduring process of complications and drug resistance are challenges of TB. It is our responsibility to develop hope in this ongoing battle.
References-
- Tuberculous Meningitis Valori H. Slane; Chandrashekhar G. Unakalhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541015
- Intracranial Tuberculous Granuloma https://radiopaedia.org/articles/intracranial-tuberculous-granuloma?lang=us
- Meningitis –Tuberculous , National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000650.htm
As an expert in the field of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to shed light on the intricate details of this airborne malady. My expertise extends beyond the general understanding of tuberculosis, encompassing its historical roots, causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities.
In examining the provided article, it's evident that tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a formidable infectious disease with a rich historical presence in Indian Ayurvedic scriptures and Vedas as "KSHAYA ROG." The disease can manifest in various organs, with the lungs being the most common site of infection. However, it can spread to the brain, liver, ovaries, kidneys, spine, and other body parts, presenting severe forms such as Tuberculous meningitis and Tuberculoma CNS.
The contagious nature of brain tuberculosis is underscored, especially when it involves the meninges surrounding the brain. The symptoms of brain tuberculosis include mental status changes, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and a stiff neck (meningismus). In infants, the symptoms may manifest as poor feeding, irritability, unusual postures, and decreased consciousness.
Risk factors for developing brain tuberculosis or TB meningitis include a slow progression of 1-3 weeks, susceptibility in various age groups, and increased vulnerability in children under 2 years, underweight children, or those with malnutrition. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or diabetes, as well as smokers, intravenous drug users, and alcohol consumers, are also at a higher risk.
Complications of TB meningitis can be severe and life-threatening, including seizures, hearing loss, stroke, hydrocephalus, and others. Diagnosis involves a range of tests, from Tuberculin tests to imaging techniques like X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and various laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for tuberculosis and cerebrospinal fluid examination.
Effective management of brain tuberculosis requires an accurate diagnosis, typically followed by a 6-9 month treatment plan with a combination of anti-tubercular drugs. The importance of directly observed therapy (DOT) is emphasized, along with the potential use of steroids to reduce inflammation in severe cases. Hospitalization may be necessary for patients with frequent loss of consciousness or neurological complications.
The article also highlights the significance of choosing the right diagnostic center for tuberculosis, citing Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre in Delhi as one of the best. The center boasts NABH and NABL certifications, offering a range of diagnostic procedures, including X-ray, CT, MRI, and specialized biochemical tests.
In conclusion, the battle against tuberculosis persists, affecting millions globally. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in awareness, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment. The article underscores the ongoing battle against complications and drug resistance, emphasizing the responsibility to instill hope in the face of this enduring disease. References provided in the article add credibility to the information presented, further solidifying the depth of knowledge on the topic.
