Other Forms of Tuberculosis

Forms - Introduction - Lymphatic - Bones - Urinary - Nervous - Other

The germs may be carried along by the blood to the brain, spinal cord, and meninges, which are the delicate coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Tuberculosis meningitis, the most common and serious form of nervous system disease, is very dangerous. Headache, stiffness of the neck and fever give warning. Delirium, coma and death follow if TB meningitis is not treated. This is a particular danger to very young children.

Drug treatment is highly effective if started soon enough. Infants found to be infected with TB germs (tuberculin positive) are now given drugs at once, even if not clearly suffering from disease, to make sure the dangers of meningitis are avoided.