Meningoencephalitis

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Meningoencephalitis is an illness that happens when both the membranes around the brain and the brain itself become inflamed. It’s sometimes called herpes meningoencephalitis. It looks like two problems at once: meningitis (infection of the brain coverings) and encephalitis (infection of the brain).

Causes
- It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, or parasites.
- Examples include Listeria, Mycoplasma, tuberculosis, Lyme disease bacteria, Leptospira, and some Rickettsia bacteria (linked to RMSF and typhus).
- Fungi like Cryptococcus can cause it, and very rarely other organisms like Halicephalobus gingivalis.
- Tick-borne and other infections that reach the brain can also lead to meningoencephalitis.

Signs and symptoms
- Changes in behavior or personality, nausea, and problems with thinking
- Headache, fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light
- Seizures may occur
- In some cases, nerves that control eye movements or hearing can be affected

Diagnosis
- Doctors look for recent or ongoing infection signs, such as fever, confusion, seizures, or focal problems.
- A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (from a spinal tap) is usually tested to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
- If bacteria are the cause, antibiotics are used.
- For viral causes, antiviral medicines such as acyclovir or ganciclovir work best when started early.
- Immune therapy may be used in some cases.
- Supportive care is important: fever control, treatment of seizures, and managing high pressure in the skull if needed.