Neuroinfectious diseases and other neurological disorders similarly affect the brain and nervous system, although they may substantially differ in their causes and characteristics.

While both illnesses affect the brain and nervous system, in summary, neuroinfectious diseases are diseases caused outright by infection, while other neurological disorders have other vantage points for their causes, such as genetics or injury.

What is Neuroinfectious Diseases

Neuroinfection diseases and disorders are illnesses beginning with infections attacking the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. The pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

The most common examples of neuroinfection diseases include meningitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the brain; encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain tissue itself; and Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by tick bites.

They are caused by noxious microorganisms like viruses or bacteria. Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and changes in behavior or mental status.

Treatment: This usually consists of the administration of either antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or antifungal drugs, whichever is appropriate.

What is the difference Between Neuroinfectious Diseases and Other Neurological Disorders?

Neurological disorders, on the other hand, are those conditions that involve an injury or damage to the nervous system but are not caused by infection.

These may be genetic in cause, based on injury, or related to malfunctioning of the brain and nerves. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

Cause: They are caused by genetic factors, damage to the brain, and disorders of the nervous system.

They can manifest themselves in symptoms ranging from memory loss to difficulties in movement, paralysis, and problems focusing on work.

Treatment consists of symptomatic management, either with medication, therapy, or even surgery.

Key Differences

Causes: Neuroinfectious diseases are normally caused because of infections, while other neurological disorders have a related link with genetic problems, ageing, or nerve damage.

Treatment: Drugs for the treatment of neuroinfectious diseases on one side and neurological disorders on the other target infection or symptom management/treating symptoms/retarding disease progression, accordingly.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist