CNS Infections Clinic (TB,
Encephalitis & Brain Infections)

Central nervous system (CNS) infections – like tuberculous meningitis, brain TB, viral encephalitis, bacterial meningitis and brain abscess -.are medical emergencies. They can cause fever, headache, seizures, confusion, weakness, vision problems and coma if not recognised early. At the CNS Infections Clinic, Vishwalata NeuroConnect, we focus on early diagnosis, protocol-based treatment and neurological follow-up for patients with suspected or confirmed brain and spinal infections, including CNS tuberculosis, which is especially relevant in India.

Understanding CNS Infections

The brain and spinal cord are normally protected by the skull, spine and special coverings (meninges). When germs like bacteria, viruses, tuberculosis, fungi or parasites reach this area, they can cause serious inflammation or pus collection. This may present as:
  • Meningitis - infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord
  • Encephalitis - infection/inflammation of the brain tissue itself
  • Meningoencephalitis - combination of both
  • Brain abscess / tuberculoma - localised pockets or lumps of infection inside the brain
  • Spinal infections - TB or pyogenic infection of vertebrae, epidural space or spinal cord
Symptoms may start like “just fever and headache” but can quickly progress to drowsiness, confusion, seizures, weakness of one side, difficulty speaking, or vision problems. Prompt evaluation by a neurologist is crucial – early treatment can save life and reduce long-term disability.

Clinical Insights - Causes, Evaluation & Management

Etiology (what causes CNS infections?)
  • Bacterial: e.g. pneumococcal or meningococcal meningitis, brain abscess from ear/sinus infections.
  • Mycobacterial (TB) : tuberculous meningitis, basilar meningitis, tuberculomas, spinal TB (Pott’s disease) with or without cord compression.
  • Viral: HSV encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, enteroviruses, arboviruses, and many others.
  • Fungal: cryptococcal, aspergillus etc., more common in immunocompromised patients.
  • Parasitic: neurocysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, etc.
Detailed neurological and systemic examination
  • Blood tests (infection markers, HIV, immune status).
  • Neuroimaging - CT/MRI brain and spine to look for meningitis signs, abscess, tuberculomas, venous sinus thrombosis, spinal involvement.
  • Lumbar puncture (CSF analysis) for cell counts, protein, sugar, culture, PCR/CBNAAT/GeneXpert for TB, viral PCR, fungal stains, etc.
  • Search for primary focus (chest X-ray, HRCT, echocardiography, ENT/dental evaluation) where relevant.
  • Rapid initiation of appropriate antimicrobials (antitubercular, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) based on most likely etiology - often before full results, then refined as reports come.
  • Adjunctive steroids in specific conditions (e.g. TB meningitis, selected bacterial meningitis, some vasogenic oedema situations).
  • Seizure control, management of raised intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus (may require neurosurgical shunt / EVD), and close ICU monitoring in severe cases.
  • Management of complications: stroke from TB vasculitis, cranial nerve palsies, cognitive and behavioural changes, spinal deformity or cord compression.
  • Rehabilitation and long-term follow-up after acute phase - addressing residual weakness, movement disorders, cognitive or seizure issues.
  • Timely vaccination (e.g. pneumococcal, H. influenzae, certain viral vaccines as per national guidelines).
  • Early treatment of pulmonary TB, ear/sinus/dental infections, and other systemic infections.
  • Infection control and prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy).
  • Avoiding undercooked pork and unsafe water to reduce parasitic infections like neurocysticercosis.

Conditions We Treat in the CNS Infections Clinic

Neurocysticercosis and other parasitic CNS infections

Fungal CNS infections in immunocompromised patients

Tuberculous meningitis, meningoencephalitis and CNS
tuberculomas

Acute bacterial meningitis & brain abscess (neurology opinion, follow-up after ICU)

Spinal TB / Pott’s spine with neurological symptoms (weakness, bladder issues) - neurological evaluation and neurosurgical liaison

Viral encephalitis - HSV, JE and others; post-encephalitic epilepsy and behavioural changes

Post-infectious neurological syndromes - e.g. ADEM, post-COVID neurological issues (evaluation and differentiation from primary CNS infection)

Red Flags - When to Seek Urgent Neurology Help

Treat the following as medical emergencies and seek hospital / ER care immediately:
  • Fever with severe headache not relieved by usual medicines
  • Neck stiffness, photophobia (discomfort in bright light)
  • Sudden confusion, drowsiness, behaviour change, or personality change
  • New-onset seizure (convulsion) in any age group
  • Sudden weakness or numbness of face/arm/leg, difficulty speaking, double vision, or imbalance
  • Persistent vomiting, severe headache on waking, or reduced level of consciousness
  • Known or suspected pulmonary TB / HIV / immunosuppression with new neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, confusion, focal deficits)
For patients already on treatment for CNS infection or TB, urgent review is required if there is worsening headache, new neurological deficit, repeated vomiting, vision loss, or poor response to therapy.

Why Choose Vishwalata NeuroConnect for Sleep Disorders?

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Specialised Neuro-ID interface

Consultant neurologist with strong experience in CNS TB, encephalitis and post-infectious neurology, working closely with infectious disease and pulmonology teams.

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Comprehensive diagnostic approach

Systematic review of MRI/CT, CSF reports and microbiology, plus guidance on advanced tests (PCR panels, antibody tests, MR spectroscopy, vessel imaging) when needed.

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Individualised treatment & follow-up

Optimisation of antitubercular/antimicrobial regimens in discussion with treating physicians, seizure management, steroid taper planning, and monitoring for complications (hydrocephalus, vasculitis, residual epilepsy).

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Long-term neurological rehabilitation

Focus on recovery of strength, cognition and function after acute infection – integration with physiotherapy, speech therapy and epilepsy care.

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Family counselling & education

Clear communication about disease course, expected recovery timeline, adherence to prolonged TB courses, and warning signs for relapse or complications.

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Navi Mumbai focused care

Easily accessible for patients from Vashi, Koparkhairane and surrounding areas, with continuity of care after discharge from tertiary hospitals or ICUs.

Restore Your Sleep, Restore Your Health

If you or your patient has suspected CNS TB, meningitis, encephalitis or any brain infection, or if there are unexplained seizures, confusion or focal deficits in the setting of infection, early neuro-evaluation can be life-saving.
Book an appointment at the CNS Infections (TB & Encephalitis) Clinic, Vishwalata NeuroConnect to:
  • Get a specialist neurological opinion on diagnosis and prognosis
  • Review and refine ongoing treatment plans and steroid/antiepileptic use
  • Plan neuro-rehabilitation and long-term follow-up after acute infection
  • Understand warning signs and preventive strategies for future
Call / WhatsApp / Book online for a consultation with our CNS infection specialist in Navi Mumbai (Vashi | Koparkhairane). Please carry all hospital discharge summaries, MRI/CT films, CSF reports and current medication list for a detailed review.
Call us now