What is the medical term for inflammation of the brain?

The medical term for inflammation of the brain is "encephalitis." This condition specifically refers to the swelling of brain tissue due to infection, autoimmune responses, or other inflammatory processes. Encephalitis can lead to various neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and changes in behavior or consciousness.

Cerebritis, while it might sound similar, specifically refers to the inflammation of the cerebral tissue but is often used more narrowly than encephalitis. Neuropathy pertains to diseases affecting peripheral nerves, and a cerebrospinal fluid infection relates to infections or issues with the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, but these terms do not directly address inflammation of the brain itself. Thus, "encephalitis" is the most accurate and precise term for this condition.