The difference in the terminology of meningitis and encephalitis
Dr.Kut | May 24, 2010 | Comments 0
Meningitis and encephalitis are both infections related to the nervous system; however there is a difference between the two of them. You may have come across lots of words that sound and seem to be the same, however, in medical terminology itis stands for the word infection and infections are very common when you have a serious condition. Therefore it is very important to understand the differences that these terms have and what they really imply.
Mening is related to the membranous coverings of the brain and the spinal cord and therefore the literal meaning of meningitis is the infection of these coverings. In the same manner encephal means the brain. This is a Greek word that has been incorporated in the medical terminology and therefore encephalitis refers to the infection or inflammation of the brain.
There are different stages to both of these conditions and depending on the severity of the inflammation and infection, people can either get fully cured from the inflammation or suffer chronic problems for the rest of their lives and in more acute stages, lose their lives as well.
Meningitis caused by viruses is not considered to be a difficult problem however the same condition being caused by bacteria can become a case of emergency and which needs to be treated with strong medication. However, in the case of encephalitis, any kind of infection will be treated as an emergency.
Meningitis and encephalitis are both diseases that manifest suddenly and normally after an infection on some other part of the body; however, this is not a rule. Symptoms of both the infections include fevers and pain in the head and neck and the feeling of weakness and uneasiness. Meningitis patients are alert and in control of their mental abilities, although in pain, however, patients of encephalitis tend to have problems of coordination or confusion and it is very important that the doctor should b able to find the causes of the symptoms promptly to avoid any further complications.
A test to detect the presence of the infection is done in the lumbar area. This will give the doctor an idea of the kind of infection and the proper treatment to be considered at the earliest. Some doctors will also advice a CT scan or an MRI to make a better evaluation of the area infected, however the lumbar puncture gives the kind of infection that they are dealing with, which is the most important aspect needed to start treatment immediately.
A lumbar puncture is performed while the patient is lying on one side on the fetal position and cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the lower back to test for infections. Since this fluid is in the meninges it will give the proper information on the kind of virus or bacteria that they have to deal with.
Once the fluid is collected then it is up to the laboratory to take tests of this fluid and to find the levels of white cells and blood sugar. If the levels of white cells are above the normal levels then the chances of it being a viral infection are higher and if the levels of sugar content and white cells are on the lower side then you can think of a bacterial infection instead.
An infection to the brain can easily cause an infection to the membrane around the brain as well. So a patient could have to deal with both of these diseases at the same time, if the bacteria or the virus has developed to that stage. However, understanding the symptoms and possibilities are very important and in most cases, if there is any mental confusion the patient will be treated for encephalitis and then checked for meningitis as well.
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