“Ignite your mind’s healing journey. Defeat Brain TB and embrace a life of clarity and purpose.”

Our brain is a sophisticated organ that regulates a variety of bodily processes, including our thoughts, deeds, metabolic pathways, and countless other bodily reactions. Are you familiar with brain TB? Tuberculous meningitis is an infection of the meninges that line the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. You can get Brain TB treatment in India in various methods.

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Read below to know more about it.

What is Brain TB?

Brain TB is known as Brain Tuberculosis. The brain, the membranes that surround it and the central nervous system are all affected by brain tuberculosis that sometimes mentioned as neurotuberculosis or tuberculous meningitis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis also causes pulmonary tuberculosis.

A person with brain tuberculosis may have the bacterium Mycobacterium TB enter their bloodstream and then spread to their meninges and brain. As a result of untreated or ineffectively treated pulmonary tuberculosis, in which the germs spread from the lungs to other areas of the body, this frequently happens.

Causes of Brain Tuberculosis

The primary causes associated with brain tuberculosis:

• Active Tuberculosis: Brain tuberculosis usually develops as a complication of active tuberculosis infection in other parts of the body, such as the lungs. When the bacteria disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system they can reach the meninges leading to tuberculous meningitis.

• Weakened Immune System: A person is more likely to catch tuberculosis and develop brain tuberculosis if they already have weaker immune systems. Malnutrition, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and some immunosuppressive medications can all make it more difficult for the immune system to protect itself against germs.

• Close Contact: Being in close contact with someone who has active tuberculosis can increase the risk of acquiring the infection. This is especially true if the infected person has untreated or inadequately treated tuberculosis.

Symptoms of Brain Tuberculosis

Symptoms of Brain TB includes:

• Headache: Persistent and severe headaches are a common symptom of brain tuberculosis. The headache may worsen over time and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise.

• Fever: A low-grade or high-grade fever is often present, accompanied by night sweats.

• Stiff Neck: Stiffness and limited mobility of the neck are common due to inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes around the brain).

• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms could be brought on by increased pressure inside the brain or by irritation of the brain’s lining.

• Altered Mental Status: Brain tuberculosis can cause mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, personality changes, and altered levels of consciousness.

• Seizures: The infection’s impact on the brain tissue may result in seizures.

• Sensory Changes: It’s possible to suffer sensory problems like tingling, numbness or weakening in specific body areas.

• Visual Changes: Blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or other visual disturbances may occur.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Generalized fatigue, weakness, and malaise are common symptoms.

• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss may occur.

Diagnosis of Brain Tuberculosis

The common diagnostic methods used:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate the neurological signs and symptoms associated with brain tuberculosis.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging techniques, like computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, are performed to look for signs of tuberculosis infection like tuberculous lesions, inflammation or hydrocephalus.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis: The cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord is obtained through a lumbar puncture. The CSF is analyzed for abnormalities, including an increased white blood cell count, elevated protein levels, and decreased glucose levels. The CSF sample may also be examined for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using various tests, including acid-fast staining and culture.

• Tuberculin Skin Test: These tests are used to determine whether an individual has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria. After a given length of time has passed after a tiny injection of tuberculin into the skin, the response is seen. Interferon-gamma release assays are blood tests that measure the release of specific proteins in response to tuberculosis antigens.

• Molecular Testing: With excellent sensitivity, polymerase chain reaction testing can identify Mycobacterium TB genetic material in clinical samples, including CSF. PCR tests are particularly useful in cases where other diagnostic methods may be inconclusive.

• Biopsy: When other tests are unclear or when a specific diagnosis is required, a biopsy of the brain tissue may be performed. It entails taking a tiny sample of the afflicted brain tissue for testing in the lab to determine whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present.

Risk Factors of Brain Tuberculosis

The risk factors that are associated with the brain tb are:

• Crowded or Unsanitary Living Conditions: Living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated environments increases the risk of tuberculosis transmission. People in prisons, refugee camps and homeless shelters are at higher risk due to close quarters and limited access to healthcare.

• Travel or Residence in High-Incidence Areas: The risk of contracting the disease increases if one lives in or travels to areas where tuberculosis is prevalent, particularly in nations with few healthcare resources and inadequate infection control procedures.

• Age: Brain TB can affect people of any age, but those who have low immune system like young children and the elderly people are more prone to developing severe cases of the condition.

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Brain TB treatment in India

The treatment of brain tuberculosis in India follows standard protocols recommended by the World Health Organization and the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program of India. Here are some key aspects of brain TB treatment in India:

• Diagnosis: Clinical assessment, medical history, imaging tests and cerebrospinal fluid analyses are frequently used to diagnose brain TB.

• Medications: Anti-TB drugs like isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol are used to treat brain TB. These drugs are provided free of cost by the Indian government through the RNTCP.

• Duration: The treatment duration for brain TB is usually longer compared to pulmonary TB. It typically involves an intensive phase followed by a continuation phase. The total duration of treatment can range from 9 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the infection.

• Directly Observed Treatment: The RNTCP in India emphasizes the importance of directly observed treatment, where a healthcare worker ensures that the patient takes their medication regularly and completes the full course of treatment.

• Multidrug-resistant TB: In cases where the TB bacteria are resistant to the first-line drugs, second-line medications are used. India has a high burden of MDR-TB, and specialized treatment centers are available to manage such cases.

• Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to relieve pressure on the brain or to obtain a biopsy for diagnostic purposes.

Brain TB treatment cost in India

The cost of Brain Tb treatment in India can range between USD 6000 – USD 30,000.

Top 10 Hospitals for Brain TB Treatment in India

1. Blk Super Speciality Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, Delhi
2. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi
3. Medanta The Medicity, Sector 38, Gurugram
4. Apollo Hospitals, Bannergatta Road, Bangalore
5. Fortis Hospital, Bannergatta Road, Bangalore
6. Narayana Institute Of Cardiac Sciences, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore
7. Lilavati Hospital And Research Centre, Bandra, Mumbai
8. Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
9. Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Lakadi Ka Pool, Hyderabad
10. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai

The above article has been proofread by our in-house health expert Dr Alok Pandey, physician (MBBS).

Choose GoMedii for Brain TB treatment in India

If you want brain tb treatment in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our “Website” and WhatsApp (+91 9654030724) or call us at 9599004811. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

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