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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Brain Tuberculoma -Is The Dizziness And Loss Of Apetite A Side Effect ?

My mother (66yr) is diagnosed with tuberculoma of brain . 3 weeks into treatment, AKT4, streptomycin (0.75), and now she is getting dizzy all the time. Cannot walk without assistance, keeps losing balance. Has lost apetite, eats very little. Confusion of mind is resolved only to a very small extent. Is the dizziness and loss of apetite a side effect ? When can we expect a marked improvement (at least stable lifestyle)?
Mon, 15 Apr 2013
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello Debzz,

Thanks for visiting HCM.

Tuberculoma of the brain is usually treated by four drugs isoniazide, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin +/_ ethambutol for a duration of 9-12 months.

Dizzyness or vertigo is known side effect of streptomycin and if it occurs on starting the drug, the drug may have to be discontinued or its dose has to be reduced.

Loss of appetite can happen due to drug induced inflammation in stomach (gastritis) which can be overcome by giving drugs with food except for rifampicin which is given empty stomach as food decreases its absorption.

You may consult ENT specialist to assess the dizziness and accordingly ask your treating physician to modify the regimen...

I appreciate your symtomatic monitoring at home...

Best wishes for your mother's health
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Fatima Farhana's  Response
this symptoms is related to space occupying lesion,not probably to side effects.It may take several weeks to have clinical remission. Clinically stable state is not a rearity.Anti tubercular drug of 12 month can successfully cure tuberculoma.Hope this answer will help you.
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Brain Tuberculoma -Is The Dizziness And Loss Of Apetite A Side Effect ?

Hello Debzz, Thanks for visiting HCM. Tuberculoma of the brain is usually treated by four drugs isoniazide, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin +/_ ethambutol for a duration of 9-12 months. Dizzyness or vertigo is known side effect of streptomycin and if it occurs on starting the drug, the drug may have to be discontinued or its dose has to be reduced. Loss of appetite can happen due to drug induced inflammation in stomach (gastritis) which can be overcome by giving drugs with food except for rifampicin which is given empty stomach as food decreases its absorption. You may consult ENT specialist to assess the dizziness and accordingly ask your treating physician to modify the regimen... I appreciate your symtomatic monitoring at home... Best wishes for your mother s health