What are Meningitis and Encephalitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord, whereas encephalitis is direct inflammation of the brain tissue itself. Both conditions are serious, potentially life-threatening neurological emergencies requiring urgent medical intervention.

Causes

• Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Tubercular Meningitis).
• Viral Infections: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), enteroviruses, varicella-zoster, Japanese encephalitis.
• Fungal & Autoimmune: Cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised patients, autoimmune encephalitis (NMDA receptor antibodies).

Symptoms

• High fever and severe headache
• Stiff neck (inability to touch chin to chest)
• Confusion, altered consciousness, or delirium
• Seizures and focal neurological deficits
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and nausea/vomiting

Emergency Neurological Care

Dr. Rajni Fulwariya provides rapid evaluation, diagnostic Lumbar Puncture (CSF analysis), targeted intravenous antimicrobials/antivirals, immunomodulatory therapy, and intensive neurological monitoring.