Intracranial tuberculoma and the challenges of global neurosurgery

Abstract

In a world of increasing globalisation, Neurosurgeons need to be able to diagnose and treat neurosurgical conditions which may not be common to the local population. To illustrate this, we describe the case of an intracranial tuberculoma presenting in the post-partum period. Tuberculosis (TB) is a widely recognised mimic of other conditions, including high grade gliomas, which can result in diagnostic delays. We highlight clinical features that should increase the index of suspicion for TB and create a low threshold for trial of empirical treatment. We also discuss educational partnership strategies that may help facilitate global perspectives in neurosurgical training.