Please read before continuing:
We would ask that prior to proceeding further in your search for information about Encephalitis you take a few moments to read and consider the comments below.
In some instances where people are affected by Encephalitis the long-term prognosis can be very good, with many people coming through the illness with little or no difficulties. However because there are occasions where more severe problems can occur, we have had to make our information as broad and far-reaching as possible. Therefore the details provided in the forthcoming web pages are fairly extensive. Taking this into account we would ask that anyone seeking information consider the following factors.
The difficulties stated in the information are not reflective of every situation where Encephalitis is involved and that some of the information stated may not be relevant to your situation.
Taking into account the emotional strain that a diagnosis of Encephalitis may bring coupled with the amount of information available through our website consideration may be required into gauging how much information is accessed at any one time.
Should any of the information raise issues or give you reason for concern we would ask that you contact the national office via our information line 01653 699599 or alternatively we can be contacted by email on support@Encephalitis.info
Thank you
The information provided on www.Encephalitis.info is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. Any information collected by our website, such as email address, will never be passed on to any third party, unless required by law
Resources
This section leads you to other sources of information and services.
We have a Pinterest Account where we link to lots of different resources about Encephalitis. We have different boards, one for the broad topic of Encephalitis and one for Parents of Children who have had Encephalitis. We are constantly updating this information and if you see or know of anything that would be useful to add, please do let us know on mail@encephalitis.info.
Books on Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injury
Books on Encephalitis
Brain Wreck by Becky Dennis
At 18,000 miles away from home, a business professional delivers a polished presentation to a group of executives. And within two hours, she forgets how to walk. Talking becomes too strenuous. She is struck by an odd series of neurological deficits that baffle her and a dozen doctors ... for 27 months. Brain Wreck is a must read for anyone who has witnessed the frustration of a mysterious illness. This is a story of determination and an unrelenting journey to save one's mind. With humor and unabashed honesty, the author restores a shattered spirit while striving to be "normal."
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
'My first serious blackout marked the line between sanity and insanity. Though I would have moments of lucidity over the coming days and weeks, I would never again be the same person ...'
Susannah Cahalan was a happy, clever, healthy twenty-four-year old. Then one day she woke up in hospital, with no memory of what had happened or how she had got there. Within weeks, she would be transformed into someone unrecognisable, descending into a state of acute psychosis, undergoing rages and convulsions, hallucinating that her father had murdered his wife; that she could control time with her mind. Everything she had taken for granted about her life and who she was, was wiped out.
This is Susannah's story of her terrifying descent into madness and the desperate hunt for a diagnosis, as, after dozens of tests and scans, baffled doctors concluded she should be confined in a psychiatric ward.
A gripping medical mystery with a unique personal voice, Brain on Fire is also the story of how one brilliant man, Syria-born Dr Najar, finally proved – using a simple pen and paper - that Susannah's psychotic behaviour was caused by a rare autoimmune disease attacking her brain. His diagnosis of this little-known condition, anti-NMDA-receptor autoimmune encephalitis, saved her life and possibly the lives of many others.
Susannah Cahalan is a reporter on the New York Post and the recipient of the 2010 Silurian Award of Excellence in Journalism for Feature Writing. Brain on Fire is a searingly personal yet universal book, which asks what happens when your identity is suddenly destroyed, and how you get it back.
“Susannah's book is the first account (to my knowledge) of this type of Encephalitis. She successfully interweaves her own narrative with the observations of others and the expert and clinical explanations of her condition as would be expected of a journalist and writer of her calibre. This results in a book that makes us empathise with her experiences but also leaves us with an evidence-based education in relation to this condition. An absolute must-read for anyone affected, their families and friends but also for professionals working in, or with an interest in neurology. Reading this book will undoubtedly save lives and prevent inappropriate admissions to psychiatric units of people whose condition is neurological and not psychiatric.”
Ava Easton, Chief Executive, The Encephalitis Society
“Susannah’s poignant story of her illness and eventual recovery is very readable and will appeal to the general reader. More importantly for professionals in the medical field, the book also offers valuable insights into a rare and sometimes fatal condition, which will alert them to the dangers of misinterpretation of patients’ behaviour. This book is written by an exceptionally good journalist and will appeal to all those who want to gain a better understanding of what is required to obtain a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment for a terrifying illness.”
Barbara A Wilson, OBE, Neuropsychologist and President of The Encephalitis Society
“It seems perhaps wrong somehow to say that this is the most thrilling book I've read in ages, an actual page turner that I literally sat and read until I'd finished. A writer that gives it to you straight from the heart and soul of her nightmare. No punches are pulled and no horror un-named. It's terrifying, heart breaking and inspiring in equal parts.”
Mathew Bose, Actor, Artist and Ambassador of The Encephalitis Society