Uncertainty and doubt dominate all aspects of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The variable natural history and accompanying clinical features of TBM hinders the diagnosis. Ziehl-Neelsen staining lacks sensitivity and culture results are often insufficiently timely to aid clinical judgement.
Neurologists are often the first medical providers to evaluate patients with possible infectious meningitis. Knowledge of the clinical presentations and cerebrospinal fluid, microbiologic, and neuroimaging findings for different etiologies is essential to make a prompt diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment