Meningitis and encephalitis are two diseases that are often linked with each other. Often these two diseases are confused for one another due to the similarity in symptoms. However, encephalitis is very different from meningitis. Let us understand the difference between these two health conditions.
Encephalitis primarily refers to inflammation of brain. Due to the inflammation, the brain cells tend to swell up. This in turn leads to damaging of nerves and bleeding in the brain. This condition usually arises some time after you have had a viral infection. This could be measles, chickenpox, mumps, flu, cold sores and the like.
On the other hand, meningitis refers to inflammation tissues around the brain and the spinal cord. This leads to back and neck pain. A bacterial or a viral infection is a cause of meningitis. It basically is concerned with the infection of membranous coverings.
The symptoms of both encephalitis and meningitis are quite similar to each other. However, the way these symptoms occur in the two conditions varies. Both these health conditions are characterized by headache, vomiting, fever, visual sensitivity, stiff neck and back and the like. While these symptoms develop gradually in case of encephalitis, they occur rather abruptly in case of meningitis.
Both the diseases are diagnosed in a similar manner. A blood sample of the infected person is taken for analysis. While the lumbar puncture method is used to diagnose meningitis, the method does not help much in case of encephalitis. The doctors may also suggest several other tests and examinations to study the same. Some of these include CT scan, MRI, white blood cell count, blood culture, throat swab and the like.
The treatment of the two problems too also remains some what similar. Antibacterial or antiviral medications are used to treat the problem. For both the diseases, antibiotics also make for a great treatment. In case of meningitis, anticonvulsants are also used to prevent seizures. However, for encephalitis, corticosteroids are also used reduce the swelling and inflammation in the brain.
Thus, to sum up meningitis and encephalitis are quite similar in nature. They have the same symptoms, use the same tests for diagnosis and also make use of a similar treatment. The only line of distinction is the basic nature of the problem. While meningitis affects the neck and back, encephalitis affects the brain.
Considering the striking similarity between the two problems, it is in your best interest that you consult a doctor. Only a proper medical diagnosis and consultation of a health care provider will help you find a clear solution to the problem.
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