| Encephalitis |
| Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a direct viral infection or a hypersensitivity reaction to a virus or foreign protein. Brain inflammation caused by a bacterial infection is sometimes called cerebritis. When both the brain and spinal cord are involved, the disorder is called encephalomyelitis. The symptoms of encephalitis vary depending on the cause of the encephalitis. |
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| Meningitis |
| Meningitis is an infection of the tissues (meninges) and sometimes the fluid (cerebral spinal fluid, or CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis results in swelling of the brain tissue and in some cases the spinal tissue. When brain tissue swells, less blood and oxygen reach brain cells. Meningitis is a potentially fatal inflammation of the meninges. Meningitis can range from mild to life-threatening. |
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| Tropical spastic paraparesis |
| Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is an incurable viral infection of the spinal cord that causes weakness in the legs. Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is caused by the HTLV-1 virus, which also causes leukemia. The virus can be spread through the placenta, and also through blood transfusions, breastfeeding, contaminated needles, and sexual contact. The disease may remain undetected for years after infection is contracted. |
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| Arachnoid cysts |
| Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that occur on the arachnoid membrane that covers the brain (intracranial) and the spinal cord (spinal). Arachnoid cysts are collections of CSF cerebrospinal fluid contained within the arachnoidal lining of the brain. Arachnoid cysts that do not cause significant mass effect or symptoms, regardless of their size and location do not require treatment. |
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| Arnold-Chairi malformation |
| Arnold-Chiari malformation is a condition in which the back of the brain (cerebellum) extends down into the upper spinal canal. The Chiari malformation is generally thought to be present from birth. However, in some instances, mild Chiari malformations may result from low CSF pressure. Surgery to enlarge the opening of the posterior fossa of the skull is often recommended for patients. |