MENINGEAL TUBERCULOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Meningeal tuberculosis, also known as tuberculous meningitis, refers to an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition is a severe form of tuberculosis, typically occurring as a result of the spread of the tuberculosis bacteria from other parts of the body to the meninges.
The characteristic signs and symptoms of meningeal tuberculosis include a persistent and severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, confusion, and sensitivity to light, which often appear gradually and worsen over time. Other possible symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and neurological abnormalities.
Meningeal tuberculosis poses a significant health threat, particularly in developing countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing further complications. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory testing of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture.
Treatment of meningeal tuberculosis involves a long course of multiple antibiotics, typically including drugs like isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Close monitoring of the patient's symptoms, as well as regular follow-up visits and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen, is necessary to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of drug resistance.
Overall, meningeal tuberculosis necessitates early recognition and appropriate management to improve outcomes and reduce the rates of complications, disability, and death associated with this severe form of tuberculosis.
Common Misspellings for MENINGEAL TUBERCULOSIS
- neningeal tuberculosis
- keningeal tuberculosis
- jeningeal tuberculosis
- mwningeal tuberculosis
- msningeal tuberculosis
- mdningeal tuberculosis
- mrningeal tuberculosis
- m4ningeal tuberculosis
- m3ningeal tuberculosis
- mebingeal tuberculosis
- memingeal tuberculosis
- mejingeal tuberculosis
- mehingeal tuberculosis
- menungeal tuberculosis
- menjngeal tuberculosis
- menkngeal tuberculosis
- menongeal tuberculosis
- men9ngeal tuberculosis
- men8ngeal tuberculosis
- menibgeal tuberculosis
Etymology of MENINGEAL TUBERCULOSIS
The term "meningeal tuberculosis" consists of two parts: "meningeal" and "tuberculosis".
1. Meningeal: The word "meningeal" is derived from the noun "meninges", which refers to the three protective layers of membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. These membranes provide support, cushioning, and protection to the central nervous system. The term "meninges" is derived from the Greek word "meninx", meaning "membrane" or "cover".
2. Tuberculosis: The word "tuberculosis" is composed of two Latin elements: "tuberculum" (meaning "little swelling" or "tubercle") and "osis" (indication of a condition or disease). Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
