WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE . . .

... between meningitis and a meningioma?

MENINGITIS refers to an inflammation of the meninges – the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord – and is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and fever, chills, vomiting and muscle ache. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. A meningioma is the most common type of growth that develops in the head, although technically it is not a brain tumour. It forms in the meninges and as it grows it may compress the brain, nerves and vessels.