Inflammation of the brain parenchyma (tissue). If the inflammation is un-checked, the person may die from it. Encephalitis is typically caused by a virus, such as one of the 8 herpes viruses, one of the influenza viruses, the measles virus, polio virus, microbial toxins, traumatic brain injury, etc. Many systemic infections involve the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
« Back to Glossary IndexEncephalitis
« Back to Glossary Index