Late Electroencephalographic Findings after Recovery from Tuberculous Meningitis

Abstract

Summary Eighty five children and young persons cured of tuberculous meningitis were reexamined by EEG 6—12 1/2 years after the onset of the disease. Moderate or severe EEG changes were seen in 50 cases, i.e. 59 per cent. The most frequent abnormality found was general dysrhythmia (29 cases) combined with focal abnormalities in 9 cases. Focal abnormalities were seen in the records of altogether 14 former patients. Of these, 9 had convulsions. Repeated EEG examinations were made in 15 cases. Seven of these showed improvement and 1 progression of the disturbances. Abnormal EEGs were seen most frequently among the youngest patients (0—3 years), among patients with severe symptoms on admission and among patients treated with cortisone. Correlation was also found between EEG changes and other sequelae: convulsions, neurological disorders, mental sub‐normality, behaviour disturbances and intracranial calcifications. There were no correlations between EEG abnormalities and late ophthalmological and otological sequelae.

The Sequelae of Tuberculous Meningitis

“…Although meningeal exudate at the base of the brain is one of the characteristic SEQ UELAE OF TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS features of tuberculous meningitis, the brain itself becomes involved either because of the development of increased intracranial pressure resulting from obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or because of the onset of endarteritis and thrombosis around a tuberculoma or because of encephalitis. It is therefore not surprising that the electroencephalogram in patients who have recovered from tuberculous meningitis should show abnormal features: it was normal in 15 (24%) of 62 of our patients; in 35 (41 %) of 85 patients studied by Kauhtio, Donner and Wasz-Hockert (1963) and in 56 (57%Y.) of 97 patients studied by Lorber (1961).…”

Sequelae of Tuberculous Meningitis

“…Lorber (1958) reviewed 10 published reports concerning intracranial calcification in patients treated for tuberculous meningitis and also recorded personal observations on 100 patients. Intracranial Kauhtio, Donner and Wasz-Hockert (1963) and in 56 (57%Y.) of 97 patients studied by Lorber (1961).…”