How can you tell the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?
The biggest distinction between encephalitis and meningitis comes down to the part of your body that these conditions most impact. Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes that surround your brain (meninges) and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself.
Is brain fever and meningitis same?
Conditions that may be described as brain fever include: Encephalitis, an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Meningitis, the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Cerebritis, inflammation of the cerebrum.
What can meningitis be confused with?
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis often get mistaken for the flu, which can make diagnosis difficult. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
How do you test for meningitis and encephalitis?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. This is a primary diagnostic tool for encephalitis and meningitis. CSF analysis is a group of common tests, and a wide variety of other tests, that can be ordered and performed on a sample of CSF. It is collected using a procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap.
Which of the following are symptoms of encephalitis?
Encephalitis Symptoms
- Fever.
- Seizures.
- Headache.
- Movement disorders.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Sensitivity to sound.
- Neck stiffness.
- Loss of consciousness.
What is meningitis fever?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers signs and symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.
What are the different types of encephalitis?
There are two main types of encephalitis:
- Primary encephalitis. This condition occurs when a virus or other agent directly infects the brain.
- Secondary encephalitis. This condition results from a faulty immune system reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body.
What is the most common type of meningitis?
Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment.
What mimics viral meningitis?
The most common alternative etiologies that mimic viral meningitis are: erhlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Kawasaki disease, and Lyme meningitis. Other conditions sharing some of these symptoms are: drug-associated aseptic meningitis, central nervous system vasculitis, neoplastic diseases.