Is encephalitis related to meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis; inflammation of the brain itself is called encephalitis.
Is meningitis worse than encephalitis?
Individual cases of meningitis and encephalitis can vary greatly depending on their cause and severity. Therefore, it is not clear which is more serious and dangerous overall. Viral encephalitis and bacterial meningitis tend to be especially dangerous.
Can meningitis and encephalitis be used interchangeably?
Meningitis can be only one form. Encephalitis can be divided into two forms, primary and secondary encephalitis. Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus directly invades the brain and spinal cord.
What is meningitis in the brain?
The middle layer is the arachnoid, a weblike structure containing the fluid and blood vessels covering the surface of the brain. Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections.
What happens if you have encephalitis and meningitis?
Both encephalitis and meningitis can cause long-term complications related to brain function, concentration, and mobility. Complications of meningitis can include: brain damage. hearing loss.
Can you fully recover from encephalitis?
Most people who have mild encephalitis fully recover. The most appropriate treatment and the patient’s chance of recovery depend on the virus involved and the severity of the inflammation. In acute encephalitis, the infection directly affects the brain cells.
What happens to the brain during encephalitis?
What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures.
What virus causes encephalitis?
Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.