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 meningitis or encephalitis and causes include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. There are a number of diagnostic challenges for identification of patients with meningitis/encephalitis and there have been changes in the epidemiology in recent years. This presentation will review the different symptoms and etiological agents that cause meningitis and encephalitis as well as provide an overview of the current tools available for diagnosis.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the difference between meningitis and encephalitis and the challenges with diagnosis.

2. Describe the most common causes of meningitis and encephalitis.

3. Describe the diagnostic tools used to diagnose meningitis and encephalitis.