What does "encephalitis" mean and how does it differ from "meningitis"?

Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain itself, from encephalo meaning brain and itis meaning inflammation. It is most commonly caused by viral infections and presents with headache, fever, confusion, seizures, and altered consciousness. Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, from mening meaning membranes and itis meaning inflammation. Meningitis can be bacterial or viral and presents with severe headache, stiff neck, fever, and photophobia.