Because of the paucity of mycobacteria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the diagnosis of central nervous system tuberculosis can be difficult. There are a number of diagnostic tests available; this article outlines the test panels and provides an approach to diagnosing central nervous system tuberculosis infection. Hyponatremia occurs in approximately 45% of patients with tuberculous meningitis and is largely due to cerebral salt wasting.

For the treatment of tuberculous meningitis, WHO recommends the same drug combination and duration as for pulmonary tuberculosis: 2 months of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, followed by 10 months of rifampin and isoniazid.