Table 3.

Diagnostic features of tuberculous meningitis

Clinical

fever and headache (for more than 14 days)

vomiting

altered sensorium or focal neurological deficit

CSF

pleocytosis (more than 20 cells, more than 60% lymphocytes)

increased proteins (more than 100 mg/dl)

low sugar (less than 60% of corresponding blood sugar)

India ink studies and microscopy for malignant cells should be negative

Imaging

exudates in basal cisterns or in sylvian fissure hydrocephalus infarcts (basal ganglionic)

gyral enhancement

tuberculoma formation

Evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere

Adapted from²²