meningitis

Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, usually from infection. Bacterial forms can be fatal within hours.

A central nervous system disease that is characterized by an inflammation of the pia-arachnoid meninges. It can be caused by growth of bacteria, fungi, or parasites within the subarachnoid space or by the growth of bacteria or viruses within the meningeal or ependymal cells.