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Other Problems
These are only the more common issues, but there are many disorders that are less common but no less debilitating. Chronic neuroendocrine difficulties can occur in both men and women, with weight gain, thyroid disorders, difficulty controlling emotions, changes in hair and skin texture and perceived body temperature changes.
Other survivors of a brain injury struggle with typographic dislocation, where they cannot remember how to navigate even well known environments, such as their own home or suburb. This wide range of frequently “invisible” effects is why an acquired brain injury can be such a crippling yet unrecognised disability.
Additional information on any of the above issues may be sourced from a number of web sites, including our own. A list of sites and other resources can be found in the Resource Section of this booklet.
Challenging Behaviour
Often individuals who are affected by encephalitis appear to lose their ability to respond to common behavioural standards. New behaviours may develop, and, consequently, the person’s behaviour is seen to change. Fortunately, not all behavioural changes will be negative and some may result in improved relationships. However, there will also be a large number of people whose change of behaviour will challenge the understanding and tolerance of those around them. Challenging behaviours do not always cause the person affected distress or concern but they can upset family members. Successful strategies to deal with challenging behaviours are not necessarily difficult although they must be 100% consistent.
A booklet “Responding to Challenging Behaviour” is available from the Encephalitis Society.
Last modified 9 October 2007
