What is TB meningitis? What are the early-stage symptoms?

TB is a scary word, and being infected with TB is also a risky factor. It's reasonable to assume that TB is one of the major  diseases out there and therefore it becomes extremely important that we remain vigilant against these diseases. TB meningitis has an extremely unique problem associated with it. The victims of this fatal disease exhibit very little early signs. Because of this, the disease is often overlooked by patients and doctors alike. TB meningitis can initially display vague symptoms such as aches and pains, loss of appetite and tiredness, usually with a persistent headache. Because these symptoms are extremely vague, identification becomes a problem. The only point in which the disease is identified is when the symptoms become more severe, however by this time it may be too late to do anything. The slow progression of the disease is another prominent feature which makes it difficult to diagnose and it is often advanced before treatment begins.

The disease is caused when someone with T sneezes and the droplets which contain the Tuberculosis bacteria is inhaled by the victims. The bacteria then go unto the lungs and starts multiplying in the lungs. The bacteria then enter the bloodstream through the lungs and begins to spread. Once these bacteria enter the bloodstream it's relatively easy for it to effect sensitive tissues like the meninges (protective layers that protect the brain) and brain tissue. Here, it forms small abscesses (tubercles/microtubules). Once these abscesses burst, it leads to TB Meningitis. This causes pressure on the brain and nervous tissue causing damage to them. The damage caused here is the real reason why meningitis progresses into a fatal disease.

It can be scary to be encountered with this disease or to have someone infected. If you belong to this category, we want to tell you not to be scared, there are treatments out there that have a proven track record in curing such diseases. Reach out to us and we'll help recommend an appropriate course of action.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Manish Vaish

Visit Us: thebrainandspine.com

Mail us: thebrainandspinecenter@gmail.com

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Catch CNS Infection in Early Stage

Infections are troubling; some of us have had it at some point in our lives. Most of us would’ve had an infection in the pulmonary tract, and other common systems. An infection in these systems don’t always prove to be fatal, however there are more delicate parts of our body that are particularly susceptible to these infections. Chief among them is our Central Nervous System or CNS.

These viruses attack and damage the cells in the nervous system or they affect the meninges which is the tissue that constitutes the Central Nervous System. Both situations are extremely dangerous. 

Let us look at common symptoms that accompany viral infection on our CNS. It is quite difficult to list out these symptoms and they will seem troubling. Viral central nervous system infections in newborns and infants usually begin with fever. Newborns may have no other symptoms and may initially not otherwise appear ill. Infants older than a month or so typically become irritable and fussy and deny food. Vomiting is common. Sometimes the soft spot on top of a newborn's head begins to bulge when the newborn is sitting upright, showing an increase in pressure on the brain. The discomfort increases with movement so an infant with meningitis may tend to cry more, when picked up and rocked. Some infants develop a peculiar, high-pitched cry. Infants with encephalitis often have seizures or other abnormal movements. Infants with severe encephalitis may become lethargic and comatose and then die.

Due to the complexity of this disease it is essential that it is caught and treated early, as time progresses the extent of the damage keeps on increasing and it doesn’t take long for the patient to reach a stage where saving him or her wouldn’t be possible.

If such symptoms are noticed, promptly reach out to us so we can better ascertain the condition that you are up against

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Manish Vaish

Visit Us: thebrainandspine.com

Mail us: thebrainandspinecenter@gmail.com

Book appointment: thebrainandspine.com/book-an-appointment

Age Factor for Stroke

Strokes can scare us out of our senses; we can be terrified by its very prospect. This is especially true if you’ve had anyone in your family die due to a stroke. As we grow older, all of us are often subject to the fear that our advancing age can invite a stroke. This is a very difficult idea to communicate; however, the cold hard truth is that the possibility of a stroke doubles every decade after the age of 55. The largest number of strokes, roughly two-thirds occurs after the age of 65.
 

These statistics are quite troubling if you’ve crossed those age groups. Instead of panicking, we need to analyze the causes behind a stroke and work to prevent these causes from taking a hold on our lives. The biggest cause for a stroke in older people is excessive blood pressure. This in turn can have multiple causes; however, we need to visit our health care professional routinely to ensure that our blood pressure is always in check and that the probability of a stroke due to increased blood pressure is eliminated.

In conclusion, although the probability of a stroke goes up substantially with age, there are several precautions you can take to ensure that you are not the victim of an unwelcomed stroke.

If you or anyone you know has a family history of strokes or is otherwise at risk of a stroke then please do reach out to us and we’ll recommend the life style changes that are needed to save you from an impending stroke.
 

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Manish Vaish

Visit Us: thebrainandspine.com

Mail us: thebrainandspinecenter@gmail.com

Book appointment: thebrainandspine.com/book-an-appointment