An Elusive Case of Tuberculous Meningitis in a Young Man With Altered Mental Status

Abstract

Background: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a rare, frequently elusive diagnosis, often characterized by vague symptoms and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Case report: We present a case of TBM in a young man with a headache and altered mental status. In addition, we provide a brief history of TBM, review the pathophysiology of the disease, discuss clinical and radiologic features, and detail the management of TBM both emergently and throughout our patient's hospital course. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our patient's lack of pulmonary symptoms, initially unremarkable head computed tomography, and two prior emergency department evaluations for headache without concerning historical features or physical examination findings collectively highlight the challenges of diagnosing TBM early in its symptom course. We encourage emergency physicians to consider TBM in appropriate patients, particularly those with risk factors for tuberculosis infection.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; altered mental status; emergency medicine; meningitis; tuberculoma; tuberculous; tuberculous meningitis.