Suggest Remedy For Headaches When On Medication For Pulmonary TB

Posted on Mon, 9 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

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?

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

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?

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.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar