Question:
My beautiful 13 year daughter lost her life to suspected T.B.Meningitis. Emma had all the symptoms but a rash. She lost the use of her legs then went blind.A lumbar pucture weeks later was done and we were told it was 99% sure it was T.B.Meningitis.A M.R.I.Scan was done and we were told she had just a small amount of pressure there. Another Lumbar Puncture was done with same results and about 8-10 hrs later. Emma went into a coma and died. They had done another scan and said she had about 80% pressure there.They said they dont know where the pressure came from and now said they dont think she died of T.B.Meningitis because you cant go blind with it.I just want to know if that is true and also is there a risk doing a lumbar puncture when there is pressure there. Thank You.
Answer:
Professor Michael Levin says:
We were very sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your daughter from suspected TB meningitis. We send you and your family our condolences and thoughts and realise the terrible sadness you must all be experiencing.
TB meningitis is a very rare cause of meningitis in the UK, although it is relatively common in many developing countries particularly in Africa and Asia. The disease can present with very vague symptoms and a slow progression. Unlike the commoner forms of bacterial meningitis, the disease can evolve over several weeks with progressive deterioration of consciousness, mobility and loss of function of specific areas of the brain.
The disease can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in countries where it is very rare as the findings from the lumbar puncture can be similar to those of common viral infections. It is difficult for us to comment whether your daughter's symptoms and features of her illness were unusual in a case of TB meningitis, without having access to the more detailed hospital records. Blindness can certainly occur during the course of TB meningitis, and raised pressure inside the brain is common in children with TB meningitis. It is true that there is a risk in doing lumbar puncture when there is pressure, but usually a CT or MRI scan is undertaken before doing the lumbar puncture which is essential to make the diagnosis. In view of the questions you have about your daughter's illness, it may be helpful to arrange a meeting with the consultants who looked after her to talk through what happened and to discuss your concerns. In general, paediatricians who have cared for a child who has subsequently died would be happy to meet the family and discuss the illness in more detail. Our thoughts are with your family after the terrible tragedy you have suffered.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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