encephalitis
/ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs/
noun
- A serious medical condition in which the brain becomes swollen and inflamed, often caused by an infection or the body's immune system attacking the brain.
- The child was hospitalized with encephalitis after a high fever and seizure.
- Encephalitis can be caused by viruses such as herpes or West Nile virus.
- Survivors of severe encephalitis may experience memory problems or personality changes.