MENINGITIS VS ENCEPHALITIS 🧠 Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges (brain coverings) - Causes: Bacterial or viral - Key symptoms: severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, fever, late altered mental status - Treatment: IV antibiotics (for bacterial), supportive care (for viral) 🧠 Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue itself - Causes: Mostly viral (e.g., HSV) - Key symptoms: altered consciousness, seizures, focal deficits, fever, confusion - Treatment: IV acyclovir (for viral),