What does meningeal mean?
Meningeal is a medical adjective meaning relating to the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is used in phrases such as “meningeal inflammation,” describing inflammation of those membranes, and in references to signs or symptoms associated with meningitis. The word is mainly found in clinical, scientific, and anatomical writing rather than everyday conversation. Its importance lies in identifying problems that affect the tissues directly surrounding the central nervous system. A meningeal condition may involve infection, inflammation, bleeding, or other disease processes, so the term does not by itself identify the cause. When used to describe symptoms, “meningeal” signals that the symptom pattern is associated with disease of the meninges.
adjectiveRelating to the meninges, the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. In medical usage, the term can also describe features associated with meningitis, such as inflammation or infection of these membranes.
- Relating to the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Characteristic of or associated with meningitis, especially inflammation or infection affecting the meninges.
"The scan showed signs of meningeal inflammation around the brain."
"The patient was treated for meningeal inflammation after the lumbar puncture."
"Her meningeal symptoms included a severe headache, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light."
The meninges are the brain’s protective membranes, and “meningeal” is the medical adjective for anything involving them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meningeal come from?
The word comes from the Latin meninga, meaning “membrane,” through New Latin meningealis, “pertaining to the meninges.” Its related forms include meningitis, meaning inflammation of the meninges, and meningioma, a tumour arising from meningeal tissue. The underlying Greek term also contributed to the modern vocabulary of brain and spinal-cord coverings.
How meningeal is actually used
Primarily used in medical and scientific contexts. It is a technical term and is less common in general speech. “Meningeal inflammation” is not exactly synonymous with meningitis, although the latter refers specifically to inflammation of the meninges.