Difference Between Meningitis & Encephalitis

Meningitis and encephalitis are two medical conditions that involve inflammation, thus the suffix "itis." Despite their similarities, meningitis and encephalitis are not quite the same.

Description

• Meningitis is an inflammation of meninges, which are membranes that envelop the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain itself.

Causes

• Meningitis usually results from either viral or bacterial infection. Encephalitis is usually caused by viral infection.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis include high fever, seizures and headache. Additional symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, vomiting or nausea with the headache, and sensitivity to light. Encephalitis-specific symptoms include hallucinations, tremors and loss of consciousness.

Treatment

• Bacterial meningitis is usually combated with intravenous antibiotics. People infected with viral meningitis or encephalitis usually require substantial fluid intake, over-the-counter pain medications and lots of rest for treatment.

Prevention

• Bacterial meningitis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding instances that can put you in contact with bacteria. Viral meningitis and encephalitis can be avoided by immunization, and preventative measures include keeping away from major viral agents such as mosquitoes.