What condition involves inflammation of the brain or spinal cord tissue?

The condition that specifically involves inflammation of the brain or spinal cord tissue is encephalitis. This disorder is characterized by swelling in the brain, which can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or other factors that trigger an inflammatory response. The inflammation can lead to various neurological symptoms, including headaches, fever, confusion, seizures, and altered mental status, depending on the severity and specific area of the brain affected.

In contrast, cerebral contusion refers to a bruise on the brain tissue itself, typically as a result of trauma, rather than an inflammatory process. Cerebral thrombosis involves a blood clot formation in a cerebral vessel, which can affect blood flow but is not characterized by inflammation of the brain tissue. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often referred to as a "mini-stroke," where there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain, causing symptoms similar to those of a stroke, but again, it does not involve inflammation of the brain or spinal cord tissue. Understanding the specifics of each condition helps clarify why encephalitis is recognized for its inflammatory nature.