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Encephalitis International - The brain inflammation charity
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Encephalitis International

Think Brain in F.L.A.M.E.S. Think Encephalitis

On World Encephalitis Day (WED) 2026, Encephalitis International launched what will be a lifesaving acronym: F.L.A.M.E.S. which reflects the urgent neurological signs that the general public and non-specialist acute medics should be aware of to help recognise encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) earlier.

F.L.A.M.E.S. stands for Flu-like Symptoms, Loss of Consciousness, Acute Headache, Memory Problems, Emotional/Behavioural Changes, Seizures. These are the symptoms most commonly found in both infectious and autoimmune causes of encephalitis.

We need your help today: download your F.L.A.M.E.S. resources and share these far and wide! 

Click here to download F.L.A.M.E.S resources

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis).

Find Out More About Encephalitis Recovery From Encephalitis
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Three people every minute are diagnosed with encephalitis.

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Our mission is to rebuild futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research.

Your Stories

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Anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis - Amber's Story

Juana tells the story of her niece’s experience of Anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis Amber’s Early Symptoms Amber, my niece, is 13 years old and living in the Philippines. She is an athlete, a badminton player of her school, and was due to be part of a big competition representing our province in March. But unfortunately, this […]

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Autoimmun-MOG-Enzephalitis – Angelos Geschichte (deutsche Version)

Leider hatte meine Familie auch eine sehr schwere, fast tötliche Erfahrung. Unser Sohn Angelo war 14 Jahre alt, als er schwer krank wurde. Das ganze begann Mitte August 2025, als er starke Kopfschmerzen und hohes Fieber bekam. Er beklagte wiederhold Doppelbilder und ein Flackern vor den Augen.Sein rechtes tat zudem weh, wenn er es bewegte. […]

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Son and mother smile at the camera.

Autoimmune MOG Encephalitis - Angelo's Story (English translation)

Unfortunately, my family also had a very difficult, almost fatal experience. Our son, Angelo, was 14 years old when he became very ill. It started in mid-August 2025 with very strong headaches and high fevers. Angelo repeatedly complained about having double vision and a flickering in front of his eyes. His right eye hurt when […]

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Upcoming Events

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My Brain & Medicine Birmingham, England 2026

My Brain & Medicine (MB&M) is an in-person event only. We would love you to join us in Birmingham, England on Friday 9 October 2026. This event is for anyone who wants to listen to the experiences of people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis and learn more about the after-effects. There […]

9 October 2026
The Old Library, Zellig, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AT
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Encephalitis 2026 - Registration

7th and 8th December 2026 Royal College of Physicians (RCP), London and virtually (Please note the attendance is both in-person and virtual. Those who register will be able to watch the Conference sessions on demand for 60 days after the event) Registrations are now open! (in-person and virtual tickets are available) Book your tickets here   […]

7 - 8 December 2026
Hybrid
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