Meningitis vs. Enchephalitis

Meningitis and encephalitis are serious conditions involving the central nervous system. Encephalitis and meningitis are two distinct illnesses. According to the Encephalitis Society, meningitis and encephalitis can develop simultaneously, a condition known as meningoencephalitis.

Meningitis

• Inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain is known as meningitis. The two most common forms of meningitis are viral infections and bacterial infections, with the latter being potentially fatal.

Encephalitis

• Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain itself caused by a viral infection. Encephalitis is always either an acute viral infection or generated by an autoimmune process such as lupus.

Symptoms

• Meningitis may initially present with flu-like symptoms which may worsen to include photophobia, stiff neck, high fever, nausea, vomiting and headache. The symptoms of encephalitis vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected by the inflammation and may also include symptoms similar to meningitis.

Treatments

• Intravenous antibiotics are the first line of treatment for bacterial meningitis as well as treatments for shock, dehydration and aspiration of infected spinal fluid or excess fluid from the sinuses and mastoids. Acyclovir is the first defense against encephalitis for its efficacy against herpes simplex 1 (the cold sore virus), as this is the most common cause of infection.

Prevention

• Vaccinations are available for bacterial meningitis. Two are part of the recommended immunization schedule and are typically given before the age of 2. The MCV4 vaccine has become available as well, which adds protection against meningococcal meningitis, the most dangerous strain. Immunization for measles provides protection against SSPE, an incurable form of encephalitis associated with acute measles infection.