HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Headaches When On Medication For Pulmonary TB

default
Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015
Question: I am speaking about my mother who is aged 54 years. Last XXXXXXX 2014 she was diagnosed with Extra-pulmonary TB due to enlargement of Left armpit lymphnodes. Her fever started from 12th May 2014. She was diagnosed on 23/6/2014. She was also complaining about severe headache. Tests were carried out and TB Meningitis was proved. She started with the first line of drugs consisting of

Isoniazid-300mg

Rifampicin-450mg

Pyrazinamide

Ethambuto-1000mg

She continued Ethambutol till November 2014 when suddenly she complained of blurriness and also Green Colour blindness(to slight extent) and was diagnosed Retrobulbar Neuritis. Ethambutol was discontinued at once followed by Isoniazid within one week. MRI was carried out which confirmed the same but of very low intensity.

Right now the colour issue has disappeared but still she is suffering from blurry vision. Her eye is perfect and fundus of eye is perfect as confirmed by two ophthalmologists.

Is there any chance she can get her clear vision back? She is suffering from diabetes mellitus but it almost remains close to the normal level. Right now she is only having rifamcin and ofloxacin. All other medicines are stopped.

Her eyesight has improved only 25% maybe after 4 months. Is it normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better chance of recovery as she is below 60

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I appreciate your concern for your mother.
I am sorry to note that your mother developed retrobulbar neuritis. Since she has improved, let us hope she would improve further as one study had shown.
In the group over 60 years old, only 20% experienced visual improvement; in the group less than 60 years old, 80% had some visual recovery, the difference between these two age groups being statistically significant.
Best wishes,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 minutes later)
Hi Doctor,

Thanks for your reply.
She has diabetes mellitus which is totally under control after taking medicines.
1) Also she has having levofloxacin-750 mg which is leading to body pain. What to do about the antibiotic?
2) Also will see take any B12 vitamins? The Medicine specialist whom she visits asked her not to take any as vitamins really don't help. Is it true?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome. My opinion follows

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
B12 is a neurotopic vitamin and is helpful if there is a deficiency. Any way no harm done in giving as the excess is excreted in the urine with no adverse effects.
Levofloxacin is a quinolone and has an tuberculosis activity. Discuss with her doctor regarding its need and follow the doctor's advice.
Wish her a quick recovery.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Headaches When On Medication For Pulmonary TB

Brief Answer: Better chance of recovery as she is below 60 Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. I appreciate your concern for your mother. I am sorry to note that your mother developed retrobulbar neuritis. Since she has improved, let us hope she would improve further as one study had shown. In the group over 60 years old, only 20% experienced visual improvement; in the group less than 60 years old, 80% had some visual recovery, the difference between these two age groups being statistically significant. Best wishes,