Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It commonly presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, vomiting, and sometimes a rash or impaired consciousness.

Encephalitis is inflammation of brain tissue itself. It more often causes altered behavior or consciousness, confusion, seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and memory or psychiatric symptoms. Meningoencephalitis means both are involved.

Both can be life-threatening and require urgent hospital assessment. Suspected bacterial meningitis needs prompt antibiotics, while suspected herpes simplex encephalitis needs urgent IV acyclovir. Lumbar puncture is a key diagnostic test when safe, alongside blood cultures, neuroimaging when indicated, and CSF microbiology/PCR. The 2025 WHO meningitis guideline stresses early assessment and treatment without unsafe delay.

A useful study map is:

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