Encephalitises is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. There are several other synonyms for this condition that could be used interchangeably. Some examples include cerebral inflammation, brain swelling, encephalopathy, and meningitis. These terms all refer to inflammation of the brain, but may have slightly different connotations. Cerebral inflammation and brain swelling may suggest a more severe condition than encephalopathy, which can refer to a broader range of brain disorders. Meningitis specifically refers to inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and may have different symptoms than other types of encephalitis. Regardless of the term used, all forms of encephalitis require prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.