4.**The presence of extraneuraxial TB increases the probability of the diagnosis of MTB and includes**


**Clinical entry criteria:** Symptoms and signs of meningitis including one or more of the following: headache, irritability, vomiting, fever, neck stiff ness, convulsions, focal neurological deficits, altered consciousness or lethargy [38].

According to new consensus, TBM are classified as definite, probable and possible [38].

**Definite tuberculous** meningitis means the demonstration of the presence of M.tuberculosis in the CSF. The diagnosis of **probable TBM** requires a score of at least 12 points when imaging techniques are available or at least 10 points when radiological methods are not available, excluding alternative diagnoses.

The diagnosis of **possible TBM** requires a score of 6–11 points when imaging techniques are available or 6–9 points when they are not available, excluding alternative diagnoses.

The exclusion of differential diagnoses requires the performance of Gram stains, routine cultures, cryptococcal antigen, serology (e.g., Borrelia, syphilis) or histopathological examination of brain tissue/meninges (tumors and lymphoma).
