Tuberculous Meningitis in Adults

Abstract

Retrospective studies of 60 cases with tuberculous meningitis who were admitted in Department of Internal Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital during September 1983 to December 1987 were performed. Age incidence was ranged from 18 years to 91 years , male to female ratio was 1.22: 1. The majority of them were farmer and lived in Khonkaen and nearby provinces. There was no seasonal variation. Significannt addociated diseases were not found. Famillial history of tuberculosis was 13.3% The common presenting symptoms were headache (78.3%) fever (70.0%) and alteration of consciousness (58.3%) . Meningeal signs were found in 76.6%. Abnormal finding of chest X-rays was 55% On admission in almost of them, cerebrospinal fluid values revealed white blood cell up to 500 cells/cu.mm.and protein 100-500 mg/dl.Results of culture for M.tuberculosis in cerebrospinal fluid were positive in 2/21 cases. The symptoms were improved after treatment within 1-3 weeks. Severe change of consciousness was the poor prognostic sign.