Abstract

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, with central nervous system (CNS) TB being a rare but serious form associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is crucial because symptoms can overlap with other conditions.

Case Presentation:
A 38-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia, vomiting, and weight loss. Initialinvestigations suggested gastrointestinal issues, but further neurological evaluation revealed ataxia. MRI revealed a Tuberculoma in the right lateral medulla, causing the lateral medullary syndrome. The patient was started on anti-TB treatment and showed significant improvement, with lesion resolution after 12 months.

Conclusion:
CNS TB can present with nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. In this case, thetuberculoma caused dysphagia by affecting the cranial nerves involved in swallowing. Early diagnosis and imaging are vital for timely treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering CNS TB in patients with unexplained swallowing difficulties, particularly in TB-endemic regions, to ensure prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Key words: Dysphagia, Tuberculosis, Central nervous system, Diagnosis, Prognosis