The meninges are a layer of protection for the brain which reduces the likelihood of damage to the brain during impact or injury. Meningitis is the infection and inflammation of the meninges, and also involving the cerebral cortex immediately adjacent to the meninges. The cortex is where all the functioning in the brain connects, so the inflammation can result in a reduction of all motor and sensory function throughout the body.

Most mycobacterial infections of the central nervous system are caused by tuberculosis. Click here for more information. All other varieties of mycobacteria are uncommon unless the patient is HIV-positive.

For classic symptoms of meningitis, click here.

With tuberculosis, you would expect the patient to have some cough and fever, and to have some findings during a lung exam, although a chest x-ray might be clear.

While there are frequent false negatives with this test, a TB skin test is one way to rapidly confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis.

For confirmation of mycobacterial meningitis, a sputum culture is taken, and acid-fast basilli (AFB) is found there.

Early diagnosis of any infection is critical, and meningitis is no exception. Mycobacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics including IV Refampin, oral Ethambutol, oral Isoniziad, and intramuscular injection of Streptomycin.

Brain function

Understanding the brain

What is meningitis?

What are bacteria?

What is mycobacteria?