Tuberculous meningitis, also called TB meningitis, affects the meninges, which are membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB meningitis occurs only rarely, according to Medline Plus. The symptoms of TB meningitis start slowly, with the first stage of symptoms lasting one to two weeks, notes the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Early Symptoms
During the early stage of TB meningitis, patients experience generalized malaise, in which they feel ill or uncomfortable, according to Epilepsy.com. For example, patients can have a low-grade fever, which is a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. TB meningitis patients may also have personality changes, such as becoming irritable. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine points out that elderly TB meningitis patients may become confused during the first stage of the infection.
Intermediate Symptoms
As TB meningitis progresses to the intermediate stage, the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine points out that patients have increased pressure inside their skulls. Some patients may start feeling ill and can experience nausea and vomiting. Seizures can develop with TB meningitis in which the infection disrupts the brain's electrical activities, causing patients to lose consciousness and control of their muscles. Epilepsy.com notes that 10 to 20 percent of children and 10 to 15 percent of adults with TB meningitis have seizures. Neck stiffness and lethargy can also occur. TB meningitis during the intermediate stage can cause palsies of the cranial nerves, which include the third, sixth and seventh cranial nerves. With third cranial nerve palsy, patients have problems moving their eyes up and down. With sixth cranial nerve palsy, patients cannot turn their eyes outward. With seventh cranial nerve palsy, patients have facial paralysis. Medline Plus adds that patients may experience photophobia, or sensitivity to light.
Advanced Symptoms
In the advanced stage of TB meningitis, symptoms become advanced and more severe. For example, Epilepsy.com notes that patients can lose their ability to move. Patients can have a high-grade fever, which is a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Confusion can occur. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine adds that patients may become unresponsive and enter a coma at this stage of the illness.
