Encephalitis

Encephalitis is inflammation of brain tissue, most often caused by infection or an abnormal immune response. It can disrupt brain function and become life-threatening.

Herpes simplex encephalitis: A severe brain infection caused most often by herpes simplex virus type 1. It is a major treatable infectious cause of encephalitis.
Lumbar puncture: A procedure that collects cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the lower back. It provides fluid for tests that help identify infectious or immune causes.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis primarily affects the meninges, while encephalitis involves brain tissue.
Seizure: A transient episode of abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain. Inflamed brain tissue can trigger acute seizures.
Autoimmune encephalitis: Brain inflammation caused by an immune response directed against neuronal proteins or related targets. It shows how encephalitis can arise without a virus directly infecting brain tissue.
Electroencephalography: A test that records electrical activity in the brain using scalp electrodes. It can detect seizures and abnormal brain activity during encephalitis.
Encephalopathy: A broad term for altered brain function caused by disease, injury, or metabolic disturbance. Encephalopathy describes dysfunction, whereas encephalitis specifically denotes inflammation.
Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with mental abilities such as memory, attention, or reasoning. Memory and thinking problems can persist after encephalitis.
Blood–brain barrier: A selective interface of brain blood vessels and supporting cells that regulates substances entering the central nervous system. Infection and inflammation can disrupt this barrier and alter immune access to the brain.
Magnetic resonance imaging: An imaging method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. Brain MRI can reveal patterns of inflammation or injury that support diagnosis.

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