Meningitis & encephalitis though different, both conditions involve inflammation and can be dangerous.
Dr. Katie L. Hendley, a neurologist with Covenant Medical Group in Lubbock, Texas, “encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain itself, most often caused by infection. Whereas meningitis affects the membrane that covers the outside of the brain and the spinal cord.”
Because encephalitis and meningitis have some similarities in their symptoms, it’s important to get the right diagnosis as soon as possible to begin treatment. Both encephalitis and bacterial meningitis can be fatal if they aren’t treated appropriately & quickly. Dr. Hendley encourages people to seek medical attention quickly for proper evaluation and treatment.