Meningitis and encephalitis are two health conditions that are related to the central nervous system and involve inflammation within it. Our central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. This health condition occurs, where there is inflammation of the lining that coats the brain and the brain itself. However, although both are associated with inflammation of the central nervous system, there are important differences in terms of the areas affected and the causes of their occurrence.
General differences between Meningitis and Encephalitis
The general difference between meningitis and encephalitis can be seen from 2 things, namely the area where it occurs and the cause. The areas of meningitis inflammation occur in the protective coverings that line the brain and spinal cord, which are called the meninges. Meanwhile, encephalitis occurs in the brain tissue itself. The cause of meningitis is usually a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Other viruses can also cause meningitis, such as the mumps virus, measles virus, influenza virus, and herpes virus. Meanwhile, encephalitis or inflammation of the brain is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus or chickenpox virus, but it also does not rule out that the body's immunity to infection is one of the causes of encephalitis.
Symptoms and Treatment of Meningitis and Encephalitis
The general symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis are somewhat similar, namely headache, fever and meningism (nuclear rigidity or neck stiffness. However, even though they are somewhat similar, there are still specific differences in the symptoms that arise from both. More specific symptoms of meningitis are nausea, vomiting, fatigue , and sensitivity to light.Meanwhile, the symptoms of acute meningitis are the same as those of chronic meningitis, including headache, fever, vomiting and mental disturbances.Headache and fever are frequent initial symptoms.
In general, encephalitis has the potential to be more severe than meningitis because it involves inflammation of the brain tissue itself and can cause more extensive damage to brain and nervous system function. It can have a more significant impact on health and body function than meningitis.
Treatment for meningitis and encephalitis also differs depending on the cause. If a bacterial infection is the cause of the meningitis, antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria. In encephalitis caused by a virus, treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. For some specific viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus, antiviral drugs are also available. Treatment may involve staying in hospital with intravenous drug administration, life support, and rehabilitation therapy if needed.
How to avoid infection with meningitis and encephalitis
Meningitis and Encephalitis belong to a group of diseases that are transmitted through physical contact with sufferers. Therefore it is important to know how to prevent it that needs to be done to minimize the risk of contracting it. Some preventive steps that can be taken include:
- Immunization
Routine vaccination helps protect against some types of infections that can cause meningitis and encephalitis, such as the meningococcal vaccine and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
- Maintain cleanliness
Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils with others, especially during disease outbreaks. Maintaining a strong immune system can help protect the body from infections that can cause meningitis and encephalitis.
- Avoid contact with sick people
Meningitis and encephalitis can be spread through close contact with an infected person. If anyone around you is experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, confusion, or seizures, immediately avoid direct contact with sufferers.
- Avoid high risk areas
Some types of meningitis can be spread through contact with body secretions or through exposure to certain environments. If you live in or travel to a high-risk area, such as an area with an outbreak of meningitis, avoid contact with other people's bodily fluids, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and follow the advice and guidelines of local health authorities.
Remember that these preventive measures can help reduce your risk of developing meningitis and encephalitis, if you are exposed to sufferers and experience the symptoms mentioned, contact your doctor or nearest specialist immediately.
Article written by dr. Dwi Hany Febrina S, Sp.N (Neurology / Nerve Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).