Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Anyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. Causes of encephalitis and meningitis include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis should see a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of encephalitis that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures, or confusion. Other symptoms include: fever, headache, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, a clumsy and unsteady gait, irritability. Some patients may hallucinate or have severe behavioural problems.
Patients with meningitis and encephalitis require emergency treatment and should attend emergency services.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage of the nerve fibers
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the site of nervous system involvement. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms. There is no definite cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms may differ greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. Symptoms often affect sensation, vision or movement, such as:
MS, NMO (demyelinating disorders are investigated with MRI, lumbar puncture and specialised tests. With a clear diagnosis appropriate treatments are instituted. Patients must adhere to drug regimes and remain under regular review.