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Physiotherapist (Physio)

Physiotherapists specialise in assessing and treating the disorders of movement and loss of physical skills, which may occur following encephalitis. For example, problems with balance, walking, controlling movement of the arms & legs for everyday actions and/or maintaining general fitness. Specialists in treating people who have had a brain injury are described as Neuro-physiotherapists.

A GP or Consultant is required to make a referral to the local NHS hospital or community Physiotherapy Department. Physiotherapists in private practice can be found by looking in the Yellow Pages. Try and locate a clinic specialising in treating neurological conditions or ask if they employ a Neuro-physiotherapist within the practice. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy may be able to help locate a local practitioner who treats private patients and is a member of the Neuro-physiotherapy Association (ACPIN). The address for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is 14, Bedford Row, London WC1R 4ED. Tel 020 7306 6666.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapists (OTs) enable people to achieve health, well being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation. Following encephalitis, all activities of daily living can be affected, e.g. personal hygiene (washing and dressing), eating and drinking, home management, community living and work skills. Enhancing someone’s ability to participate in everyday activities is the central aim of Occupational Therapy. The therapy is carried out in in-patient and out-patient settings, working closely with the person and their available support network of family, friends, and paid carers once they are discharged home.

Referral to the hospital or community OT services can be by your GP or hospital doctor. Alternatively, you can contact an independent Occupational Therapist for assistance. A directory of OT’s can be found at the specialist section “occupational therapists in private practice” (OTIP) website – http://www.otip.co.uk/index.htm. The enquiry line is 0800 389 4873. The cost of treatment may be met by the NHS or by the insurance firm if there is private medical cover. Do always ensure that funding is in place before committing to any private treatment.

Speech & Language Therapy (SALT)

Speech and Language Therapists who specialise in acquired neurological disorders provide assessment and treatment for individuals who have difficulties with communication, or eating, drinking and swallowing following a brain injury.

If you think you need to see a Speech and Language Therapist you can ask your GP or hospital doctor to make a referral or you can contact your local Speech and Language Therapy Service. Many Speech and Language Therapists also work privately and you could look for this information on www.asltip.co.uk. , and click ‘acquired neurological disorders’.

Neuropsychology

Clinical Neuropsychology provides the links between neuroscience, health and social sciences for improved outcomes for survivors of neurological injury or disease. Neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists who have special training and experience in understanding how a person's behaviour, intellect, memory and emotions are related to the status of their brain.

Expertise in Neuropsychology takes many years of special training and experience with a range of patient groups. It complements clinical psychology, educational psychology and neurology but offers additional and specific information to understanding and managing a person who has sustained some insult to the brain.

A Neuropsychologist is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe medication. Neuropsychologists undertake assessments to help the person understand their strengths and problems in things like thinking and remembering, but also in mood and behaviour. They are involved in providing rehabilitation which enables people to manage problems and regain social roles, such as in work or family life, by the development of strategies and compensatory techniques when functional gain can no longer be made.

At some point after the illness, there should be a referral to a Neuropsychologist for a neuropsychological assessment. Ideally this should take place at discharge, if not it can be requested at a follow up appointment. People who are many years post encephalitis can still benefit from a referral to a Neuropsychologist.

Your GP or hospital doctor can refer you to a Neuropsychologist, and in some areas they will be part of interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams working in the community and/or rehabilitation units. If you are looking for a private practitioner you can search for appropriately qualified and regulated individuals on the Internet at www.bps.org.uk/e-services/find-a-psychologist/directory.cfm selecting the work area ‘Clinical Neuropsychology’.

A fact sheet “Neuropsychological Assessments” can be downloaded from the web site or requested in paper form from the Encephalitis Society.

Complementary Therapists

Complementary therapies include treatments such as osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. Some people have found these treatments useful. It can be difficult to find out whether the practitioners have proper qualifications – often other people who have used their services are the best source of information, although some GP’s may have a specialist interest in this area. Many of the established forms of complementary treatments have their own governing body or college, and you are strongly advised to contact them if you are thinking about finding a well qualified practitioner. Occasionally, some form of complementary treatment may be available under the NHS but more usually it has to be paid for privately. Some practitioners will offer treatment on a sliding scale of payment. You are strongly recommended to discuss with your doctor any alternative therapies, medicines or treatments before using them.

Further details of specific complimentary therapies are available from the Encephalitis Society web site and can be requested by post. Details of the book “Complementary Healthcare: a guide for patients” are in the Resource Section.

Another useful resource is Complementary Healthcare: a guide for patients. Produced by the Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health.

www.fihealth.org.uk ISBN: 053945383