Meningitis, Encephalitis & Brain Infections

Infectious diseases of the brain and spinal cord include meningitis (spinal meningitis), encephalitis and tetanus (lockjaw or clostridium tetani infection). Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis (meningococcal infection). Meningitis symptoms include fever, stiff neck and severe headache. West Nile virus can also infect the brain. Vaccines are not available for all causes of brain infection, but a tetanus shot is a standard childhood vaccine. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years.