Etymed
cerebritis
Definition
inflammation of the brain
Clinical context
A 23-year-old male presents with fever, headache, and altered mental status. Brain imaging reveals cerebral edema and meningeal enhancement. Lumbar puncture shows elevated opening pressure with elevated protein and decreased glucose. CSF culture grows Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and develops complications from brain inflammation.
Mnemonic
Cerebritis = Cerebral inflammation (CEREBR) + -itis (inflammation)