title: Viral meningitis and encephalitis.
abstract: Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, whereas encephalitis is inflammation of the parenchymal brain tissue. The single distinguishing element between the 2 diagnoses is the altered state of consciousness, focal deficits, and seizures found in encephalitis. Consequently meningoencephalitis is a term used when both findings are present in the patient. Viral meningitis is not necessarily reported as it is often underdiagnosed, whereas encephalitis cases are on the increase in various areas of North America. Improved imaging and viral diagnostics, as well as enhanced neurocritical care management, have improved patient outcomes to date.
authors: Center for Nursing Education, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL 32803, USA. misti.tuppeny@flhosp.org
authors: Misti
authors: M
authors: Tuppeny
mesh_terms: D003384:Coxsackievirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011634:Public Health; D012621:Seasons
keywords: Brain infection; Central nervous system infections; Encephalitis; Meningitis; Meningoencephalitis; Viral infections