15. Encephalitis vs. Encephalopathy
When it comes to encephalopathy, there are numerous causes. In fact, it can be difficult to pin down an exact definition because of all of the different types and encephalopathy is a very broad term. At times, people confuse encephalopathy with encephalitis. While both encephalitis and encephalopathy affect the brain, encephalitis is when there is an inflammation in the brain. This is often caused by a virus. However, a virus can cause encephalopathy as well. Encephalopathy is the term used to describe temporary or permanent brain damage, a brain disorder, or brain disease. Encephalopathy will affect the structure of the brain or the function of the brain. Encephalopathy can also be degenerative, meaning that it will get worse with time. Knowing the difference between the two is important as they have different meanings and causes, which can affect diagnosis and treatment for the issue.