Tuberculosis as a risk factor for brain and spinal injuries

Abstract

Introduction:Intracranial tuberculomas are granulomatous lesions that can occur in approximately 1% of the patients with active tuberculosis (TB). Although it is an uncommon disease, it usually causes severe neurological deficits, including altered mental status, hydrocephalus, cranial nerve palsy, hemiparesis, and seizures. Concomitant presentation of brain and spinal involvement is a rare entity and few cases have been described in the medical literature. Case Report: We report a case of a 38-year-old female who presented with brain and spinal cord injuries due to TB without pulmonary changes. The patient first complained about intense holocranial headache and underwent cranial computed tomography with normal result. In a 6-year period, she had several different symptoms, underwent various types of laboratory and imaging exams, followed some drug therapies, and underwent some surgical procedures. After a diagnosis of intracranial granulomas compatible with TB, she followed a rifampicin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol (RIPE) scheme. However, after some months, she had seizures despite the use of anticonvulsant drugs, felt dizzy, experienced loss of