Final answer:
Inflammation of the meninges caused by a bacterial or viral infection is known as meningitis, which can have severe health consequences if not immediately addressed. It's diagnosed through a lumbar puncture and distinguished from similar conditions like encephalitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammation of the meninges caused by a bacterial or viral infection is called meningitis. This condition involves the three layers of protective membranes that surround the central nervous system (CNS), and can lead to serious consequences including deafness, epilepsy, cognitive deficits, or even death if not treated promptly. Bacterial meningitis can be exceedingly severe and is often caused by pathogens such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or the tuberculosis bacteria. Viral meningitis, while generally less severe, can also have significant health impacts.
Infections like meningitis are particularly dangerous because they can lead to increased intracranial pressure within the confines of the skull, potentially causing severe brain tissue damage. A lumbar puncture can be performed to diagnose the cause of inflammation by analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for signs of infection. Meningitis must be distinguished from other conditions, such as encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain tissue itself.