PATHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF VARIOUS BRAIN STEM SYNDROMES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN LOCALISED TBM

Introduction: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) develops in 2 steps. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli enter the host by droplet inhalation. Localized infection escalates within the lungs, with dissemination to the regional lymph nodes. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyze the pathological aspects of various brain stem syndromes likely to occur in localised TBM. Methodology of the study: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Services Hospital Lahore during March 2019 to December 2019. In this study 30 children aged from 1 year to 13 years suspected of having tuberculous meningitis were included in the study. Tuberculosis may involve the different organs by primary infection when it causes infection of an unsensitised host. Results: Table 01 gives the various brain stem syndromes. The structures at the base of the brain and around the lateral and 3rd ventricles are commonly affected and hence their damage is expressed with development of different syndromes. Conclusion: It is concluded that there are many syndromes which are directly or indirectly associated with TBM. Tuberculous meningitis is the most common type of neurotuberculosis. However, more and more cases of modified clinical pictures are emerging because of BCG vaccination and often inadequate treatment of the disease.