Tuberculous meningitis: pitfalls in diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is easily missed because the variety of symptoms give rise to problems with the differential diagnosis.


METHODS
Five cases of difficult to diagnose tuberculous meningitis are presented.


RESULTS
Several reasons for the diagnostic delay are highlighted. The fact that tuberculous meningitis is rather rare in developed countries contributes to this problem. Recommendations for a quick diagnosis are given.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in developed countries is often made after a substantial delay. In case of suspicion on the diagnosis additional examination should be performed and treatment should be started immediately.
Joosten
A A
AA
Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
van der Valk
P D
PD
Geelen
J A
JA
Severin
W P
WP
Jansen Steur
E N
EN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology