An infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord which is caused by the tubercle bacillus.
Tubercular meningitis is caused by spread of tuberculosis from another site in the body.
The onset of symptoms is usually gradual. The incidence is 5 out of 1,000,000 people. Systemic steroids may also be used. Tuberculous meningitis is fatal if untreated. Long-term follow up is necessary to detect recurrences.