Suboccipital tuberculosis: a case report

We report a case of suboccipital tuberculosis in a 22-year woman who surviv ed. She was given an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic regimen due to pulmonary and pericardal involvement. The patient interrupted her treatment after fou r months and was admitted six months later for torticolis and spastic tetra plegia without sphincter disor ders. Standard x-rays and MRI of the head co nfirmed suboccipital Pott's. disease. Transcranial evacuation was performed and the patient was again given anti-tuberculosis antibiotics. The clinica l course was favorable with definitive recovery 45 days later. The patient continued the antibiotic regimen for nine months. All orthopedic supporting device was worn for nine months. The diagnosis of suboccipital tuberculosis can be confirmed on MRI. Appropr iate treatment is a subject of debate between exclusive orthopedic or combi ned orthopedic and surgical treatment. Prognosis depends on the neurologica l deficit. early diagnosis and prompt treatment.