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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suspect Brain Tuberculoma Or Cysteriostisis. Now Advised Treatment For Tuberculoma, Then Repeat MRI And Review. Side Effects ?

i am 34 years old and is suspected to have brain tuberculoma? After MRI , doctor is not sure whether this is cysteriostisis or brain tuberculoma? He has suggested to take treatement for tuberculoma for time being and do a repeat MRI afte i hvae repeat MRI afyer 10 month then MRI report resolve edema but not reduce size Dr adv continew medicin for 8 month more but now i think take medicin more 2 or 3 month then repeat mri.it medicin will any side effect on my body
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

Sometimes, it is not possible to distinguish between tuberculoma (TB infection) and neurocysticercosis (tapeworm infection) on MRI brain. There are certain features such as size more than 2 cm, too much edema (swelling in brain), focal neurological deficits (such a weakness of arms or legs, etc), which may favour a diagnosis of tuberculoma.

However, in many cases, we are forced to start treatment for either TB or tapeworm infection on empirical basis. Repeat scan after three months help us. If the size of lesion decreases, then good. If the size increases, then a biopsy (a small surgical procedure) of the brain lesion is done.

TB medications are safe. However, liver function test and eye check up may be required to look for side effects.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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Suspect Brain Tuberculoma Or Cysteriostisis. Now Advised Treatment For Tuberculoma, Then Repeat MRI And Review. Side Effects ?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. Sometimes, it is not possible to distinguish between tuberculoma (TB infection) and neurocysticercosis (tapeworm infection) on MRI brain. There are certain features such as size more than 2 cm, too much edema (swelling in brain), focal neurological deficits (such a weakness of arms or legs, etc), which may favour a diagnosis of tuberculoma. However, in many cases, we are forced to start treatment for either TB or tapeworm infection on empirical basis. Repeat scan after three months help us. If the size of lesion decreases, then good. If the size increases, then a biopsy (a small surgical procedure) of the brain lesion is done. TB medications are safe. However, liver function test and eye check up may be required to look for side effects. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist