encephalitis

[en-sef-uh-lahy-tis]

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the substance of the brain.

2. Also called encephalitis lethargica. a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness.

encephalitis

/ ˌɛnkɛf-, ˌɛnsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs, ˌɛnsɛfəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. inflammation of the brain

encephalitis

1. Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by infection with a virus.

encephalitis

1. An inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis may be caused by a virus or lead poisoning, or it may be a complication of another disease, such as influenza or measles. Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage or death. It is also possible, however, to recover from it completely.

Other Word Forms

• encephalitic adjective
• postencephalitic adjective
• pseudoencephalitic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encephalitis¹

First recorded in 1835–45; encephal- + -itis

Example Sentences

The virus can attack the nervous system and lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and, in rare cases, even death.

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In rare cases chicken pox can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis; an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis; and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and - very rarely - death.

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In rare cases it can cause a swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, an inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis, and stroke, which can result in hospitalisation and, in very rare cases, death.

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Scores of studies show that the vaccine doesn’t cause encephalitis, that most potential side effects resolve quickly on their own, and serious adverse reactions are far rarer than measles complications.

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Following a severe battle with autoimmune encephalitis in 2022, which left Burton in a medically induced coma for 25 days, she returned to rugby and was first capped earlier this year.

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