Tuberculous meningitis: how to recognize a dangerous disease and save lives.

According to ТСН: Tuberculous meningitis is a rare but very dangerous form of tuberculosis that affects the membranes of the brain and the nervous system.

Pulmonologist of the Dobrobut medical network Victoria Tereshchenko explains that tuberculous meningitis occurs when the tuberculosis pathogen from the lungs or other infection sites penetrates the membranes of the brain. She noted that many patients may not have typical symptoms of lung damage.

“The primary infection can remain in the body for years without attracting attention. This is not always untreated active tuberculosis — often it is a latent infection that 'awakens' due to stress, illness, or other negative factors,”

How the disease manifests

According to the data from the Center for Public Health, tuberculous meningitis progresses in three stages:

1. Prodromal phase (2-3 weeks): headache, elevated temperature, possible changes in consciousness.

2. Meningitis phase: severe headache, vomiting, lethargy, confusion.

3. Terminal stage in case of no treatment: coma, convulsions, paralysis.

Without treatment, death can occur within 1-2 days.

Diagnosis is performed by lumbar puncture — taking cerebrospinal fluid with a special needle.

How long does treatment last

Treatment of tuberculous meningitis, sensitive to anti-tuberculosis drugs, lasts 10-12 months. Intensive treatment takes two months, and further medication continues for about another year.

According to the Ministry of Health, this form of tuberculosis is not widespread in Ukraine, but doctors urge not to ignore it, as early initiation of treatment increases the chances of survival. It is best to start therapy before the onset of consciousness disorders.

Prevention: how to protect yourself from tuberculosis

Infectious disease specialist Roman Ponomarenko emphasizes the importance of:

• BCG vaccination;

• annual lung X-rays;

• maintaining immunity.

X-ray is important since most complex forms of tuberculosis develop after lung damage. According to WHO data, about 1.7 billion people worldwide are infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but the disease manifests only when the immune system is weakened.

The BCG vaccine is mandatory in Ukraine and primarily protects children under five from severe extrapulmonary forms, including meningitis. However, in adolescents and adults, it does not completely prevent pulmonary tuberculosis, and after 10 years, the risk of infection remains for everyone.

The greatest threat exists for people with weakened immunity, including those with HIV, diabetes, and chronic diseases.

Even during treatment, mortality in the case of tuberculous meningitis remains very high — it can reach 20-67%, and without treatment — 100%. Therefore, specialists emphasize the need for timely detection of tuberculosis, testing of contacts, and regular screening.

“Treatment of tuberculosis is a long process that one must be prepared for. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and complete the therapy,”

Let us remind you that tuberculous meningitis was the cause of death of the frontman of the band Adam, Mykhailo Klymenko. For more than two months, ADAM fought for his life in the hospital, including being in intensive care. But unfortunately, his condition did not improve.

This news highlights the seriousness of the disease and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis. Specialists recommend not to delay visiting a doctor if any suspicious symptoms arise, to avoid tragic consequences. Early therapy can significantly increase the chances of a positive treatment outcome.