What is the medical term for inflammation of the meninges?

What is the medical term for inflammation of the meninges?

• A. Encephalitis
• B. Meningitis
• C. Neuralgia
• D. Hydrocephalus

Answer: (B)

Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord is meningitis. The meninges—the protective coverings (dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater)—become inflamed due to infection or other causes, which defines meningitis. This differs from encephalitis, which is inflammation of brain tissue itself; neuralgia, which is nerve pain; and hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. Recognizing meningitis centers on the meninges and the clinical signs that come from their irritation, with diagnosis often involving analysis of cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture to guide treatment.

Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord is meningitis. The meninges—the protective coverings (dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater)—become inflamed due to infection or other causes, which defines meningitis. This differs from encephalitis, which is inflammation of brain tissue itself; neuralgia, which is nerve pain; and hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. Recognizing meningitis centers on the meninges and the clinical signs that come from their irritation, with diagnosis often involving analysis of cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture to guide treatment.