What term means inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus?

• A. Hyperesthesia
• B. Encephalitis
• C. Concussion
• D. Meningitis

Answer: (B)

Encephalitis is the term for inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. The word combines encephalo- meaning brain with -itis meaning inflammation, so it directly describes inflammation of brain tissue. This distinguishes it from other conditions: hyperesthesia means increased sensitivity to stimuli rather than inflammation; a concussion is a functional brain injury from trauma and not an inflammatory process; meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the membranes around the brain, not the brain tissue itself. In encephalitis, the viral attack triggers inflammation inside the brain, leading to neurologic symptoms such as fever, confusion, or seizures.