Difference Between Meningitis and Encephalitis

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Anyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. Causes of encephalitis and meningitis include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites.

1. How can you tell the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?
2. How do you test for meningitis and encephalitis?
3. What is the difference between encephalitis and encephalopathy?
4. How do you rule out encephalitis?
5. Which is worse meningitis or encephalitis?
6. What triggers encephalitis?
7. Does encephalitis show up in bloodwork?
8. How long can you have meningitis without knowing?
9. Does encephalitis go away by itself?
10. What are the long term effects of encephalitis?
11. Is encephalitis a disability?
12. Does encephalitis show up on MRI?

How can you tell the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?

The hallmark signs of meningitis include some or all of the following: sudden fever, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, double vision, drowsiness, sensitivity to bright light, and a stiff neck. Encephalitis can be characterized by fever, seizures, change in behavior, and confusion and disorientation.

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.

What is the difference between encephalitis and encephalopathy?

In encephalitis, the brain itself is swollen or inflamed. Encephalopathy, on the other hand, refers to the mental state that can happen because of several types of health problems. But encephalitis can cause encephalopathy.

How do you rule out encephalitis?

Diagnosis

1. Brain imaging. MRI or CT images can reveal any swelling of the brain or another condition that might be causing your symptoms, such as a tumor.
2. Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). ...
3. Other lab tests. ...
4. Electroencephalogram (EEG). ...
5. Brain biopsy.

Which is worse meningitis or encephalitis?

Bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis may be rapidly fatal, even in healthy persons. Survivors may suffer lasting neurological sequelae, including memory loss and seizures. Viral meningitis, by contrast, gives patients a bad headache and a stiff neck, but uneventful recovery is the rule.

What triggers encephalitis?

Encephalitis can develop as a result of a direct infection to the brain by a virus, bacterium, or fungus, or when the immune system responds to a previous infection; the immune system mistakenly attacks brain tissue.

Does encephalitis show up in bloodwork?

Although bacterial, fungal, and autoimmune disorders can produce encephalitis, most cases are viral in origin. Accordingly, in addition to standard blood and urine tests, studies may be performed to identify the infectious agent causing the encephalitis.

How long can you have meningitis without knowing?

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (e.g., seizures, coma). For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Does encephalitis go away by itself?

In mild cases of encephalitis, the inflammation will likely resolve in a few days. For people who have severe cases it may require weeks or months for them to get better. It can sometimes cause permanent brain damage or even death.

What are the long term effects of encephalitis?

Some people experience longer-term effects of encephalitis. Longer-term symptoms can include physical problems, memory problems, personality changes, speech problems, and epilepsy.

Is encephalitis a disability?

Encephalitis can be described as an invisible disability which affects not only one person, but the whole family. Emotional support for the whole family may be needed.

Does encephalitis show up on MRI?

A scan of the brain can help show whether you have encephalitis or another problem such as a stroke, brain tumour or brain aneurysm (a swelling in an artery). The 2 main types of scan used are: a CT scan. an MRI scan.