Epidemic meningitis is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by an inflammation of the protective lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of symptoms, including fever, headaches, stiffness in the neck and back, and sensitivity to light. In medical literature, epidemic meningitis is often referred to as meningococcal meningitis. Other synonyms for the condition include bacterial meningitis, septic meningitis, and cerebrospinal meningitis. While these terms all refer to the same condition, they may be used in different contexts or for different purposes, such as to describe the specific type of bacteria causing the infection or the mode of transmission.