Acute Care

Encephalitis is usually an acute illness that requires admission to a hospital. As with other acute neurological illnesses it should be managed by a neurologist / paediatric neurologist. Some general hospitals will not have a neurologist on site so a transfer to a hospital with a neurology department is recommended. See “UK Neurology – the next 10 years: Putting the Patient First” by the Association of British Neurologists (ABN), published in 2003.

People who are acutely ill with encephalitis and those in the early stages of recovery often have specialist care needs. Difficulties with memory, understanding, perception and traits of behaviour such as aggression and disinhibition require specialist nursing skills that are not found on a general ward.

Most Regional hospitals will have a neurology department, some previous knowledge of the illness and the resources to undertake specialist tests.

In the UK, NHS patients are entitled to ask for a second opinion from another specialist at any stage in their treatment, although a second opinion is most commonly requested at diagnosis.

In the UK unusual cases of encephalitis in adults that do not respond to treatment are often referred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.

Discharge

Page 30 of the booklet ”Your Guide to the NHS” states that “your discharge plan will be agreed with you taking account of your needs and wants” The Discharge plan should take into account the assessments recommended in the summary guidelines in “Rehabilitation following acquired brain injury - National Clinical Guidelines”.

If you are unclear what to ask for at discharge, please contact the Encephalitis Society direct.

Last modified: 17 June 2008