Meningitis and Encephalitis

What are Meningitis and Encephalitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue itself. Both conditions are medical emergencies and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis often overlap and may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion, drowsiness, irritability, or altered mental status
• Seizures
• Stiff neck (more common in meningitis)
• Loss of consciousness or coma in severe cases
• In infants: bulging soft spot (fontanelle), poor feeding, or high-pitched crying

Causes

• Bacterial Meningitis:

  Commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, or Haemophilus influenzae. This form can be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

• Viral Encephalitis:

  Caused by viruses such as herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, or mosquito-borne viruses like Japanese Encephalitis. These are generally milder than bacterial infections but can still be serious.

• Other Causes:

  Fungal infections, parasites, tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders, or post-infectious inflammation.

Diagnosis

• Detailed clinical examination
• Blood tests and neuroimaging such as CT scan or MRI with contrast
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid

Treatment

Immediate hospitalization is required. Appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications are started under specialized supervision and care of a Neurologist, as both mortality and morbidity are high if treatment is delayed.

Prevention

• Vaccinations including meningococcal, pneumococcal, Hib, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines
• Mosquito control and protective measures in endemic areas
• Prompt treatment of infections before complications develop