Tuberculous Meningitis Missed After a Language Gap Wolfgang Paik

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tuberculous-meningitis-missed-after-language-gap-2026a1000qf5 A 30-year-old man presented with fever, general weakness, and reduced oral intake. Because of a language barrier, obtaining his medical history was difficult. Initial examination was unremarkable, but his condition worsened over several days, with a decline in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the later development of photophobia, neck stiffness, and a positive Kernig sign. Meningitis was suspected, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis ultimately confirmed tuberculous meningitis. Despite treatment, the patient deteriorated further and died. This case highlights how communication barriers can delay diagnosis and the importance of access to medical interpreters, including for rare languages.