Tuberculous meningitis in the elderly

Tuberculous meningitis (tuberculous meningitis), referred to as nodule, is a non-purulent inflammation caused by tuberculosis invading the meninges. It is part of systemic disseminated miliary tuberculosis, and can also be secondary to bacteremia caused by tuberculous lesions such as the lungs, lymph nodes, bones or urinary system. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can also directly break into the skull or spinal canal from tuberculosis lesions of the skull or spine and cause tuberculous meningitis. About half of the patients are currently adults. The elderly have also reported cases. Adult primary lesions are present in 3/4 of adult nodules. The death rate of nodular encephalopathy is between 15% and 30%. If the diagnosis and treatment are not timely, it may cause death or severe sequelae.