Ventriculoatrial shunt in tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus.

Raised intracranial tension affects the course of tuberculous meningitis adversely. The development of hydrocephalus may account for the raised intracranial pressure. Insertion of a ventriculoatrial shunt significantly alters the course of the disease. The results in seven cases have been detailed and discussed. The levels of consciousness improved, hemiplegia and aphasia practically cleared up, and vision returned even in children who were blind for 4 to 6 weeks. Operation could be performed even in an active stage of the disease without much fear of miliary dissemination.