How can you tell the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?

How can you tell the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?

Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis; inflammation of the brain itself is called encephalitis. Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord. When both the brain and the spinal cord are involved, the condition is called encephalomyelitis.

What is the difference between encephalitis and encephalopathy?

Encephalopathy and encephalitis both affect the brain, but there are significant differences. Encephalitis refers to inflammation in the brain, which often results from a viral infection. Encephalopathy refers to permanent or temporary brain damage, disorder, or disease.

What causes encephalitis?

Encephalitis only occurs in rare cases. The condition is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores and genital herpes (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.