A17.9: Tuberculosis of nervous system, unspecified

You have tuberculosis in the brain, the spinal cord or the nerves.

Tuberculosis is also abbreviated to TB. Tuberculosis is caused by certain bacteria. The bacteria are transmitted through coughing and sneezing, for example. The bacteria can remain undetected in the body for a very long time. But they can also cause severe inflammations. The bacteria trigger symptoms when the body’s defense system is weakened. For example, tuberculosis may cause fever, coughing and a feeling of weakness. It is also possible to lose weight and feel very tired.

Your brain, spinal cord or nerves have been inflamed by tuberculosis. The vertebrae form the vertebral canal on the rear of the spinal column. The spinal cord runs in the vertebral canal. Nerve fibers run from the brain into the body via the spinal cord and form nerves there. Every nerve is responsible for a particular part of the skin and for certain muscles. These nerves are important for instance in enabling you to feel and move the muscles. If the brain is affected by tuberculosis, this often results in severe headaches. Seizures or loss of consciousness may also occur. Your own behavior and thinking may change. If the spinal cord is affected by tuberculosis, this often results in severe pain. The skin may also become numb in some places. In both cases, you may sometimes no longer be able to control your own movements.