meningitis
Brain Membrane Infection
Plain-language definition
Inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Can cause papilledema, cranial nerve palsies, and vision loss.
Where this term comes up
“Rule out infection (meningitis, encephalitis)”
Test · Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
“These features can mean a brain tumor, hemorrhage, meningitis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or stroke.”
Condition · Papilledema
“Cases of life-threatening meningococcal meningitis and sepsis have occurred, including in vaccinated patients.”
Medication · Eculizumab (Soliris)
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
- abscess
Pus Collection
- papilledema
Swelling of the Optic Nerve from Brain Pressure
- IIH
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
- ischemia
Reduced Blood Supply
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.