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Encephalitis International - The brain inflammation charity
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Encephalitis International

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).

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1.5M

People are affected by encephalitis globally each year

78%

of people across the world do not know what encephalitis is

224M

People reached during our 2024 World Encephalitis Day campaign

Your Stories

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Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) Encephalitis Lived Experience - Lizzie's Story

Before my brain decided to hit the eject button on my memories, I had a life that made sense. I ran an animal rescue that I had started years before. It was busy and, at times, chaotic. I had my routines - work and home ones. I knew what I was doing (most of the time). I could tell you where I left my keys. I could tell you who the actor on the screen was and his entire filmography. My memory was actually my superpower.

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Viral Encephalitis Lived Experience - Rochelle's Story

Dr Rochelle Smith had to learn to read and speak again after falling ill with viral encephalitis in 2016. She would go on to graduate with a degree in medicine and a top award from the University of the West Indies

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Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience - Marleigh's Story

Marleigh was just three years old when she started showing symptoms of Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis. However it would take nearly a year, a brain injury and many life threatening status epilepticus seizures before this diagnosis was confirmed.

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One person is diagnosed with encephalitis every minute.

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The above number reflects how many people have been diagnosed so far this year.
Support us so they don’t have to face that diagnosis alone.

Donate

Make a donation today

One person is diagnosed with encephalitis every minute, and life for them and their family will never be the same again. Make a donation today and help us build a world without death and disability from encephalitis.

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Upcoming Events

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My Brain My Story 2025

Please note My Brain : My Story is a hybrid event (in-person and virtual via Zoom) We would love you to join us in York, England, – or virtually – at My Brain : My Story on Saturday 4 October 2025. This event is a hybrid event for anyone who wants to listen to the […]

4 October 2025
The Grand, Station Rise, York, YO1 6JD
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Encephalitis 2025 - Registration

3rd and 4th December 2025 Royal College of Physicians, London and virtually Registrations are now open! (in-person and virtual tickets are available) Book your tickets here ENCEPHALITIS 2025 is an excellent forum for physicians, scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to exchange ideas, knowledge and clinical experience relating to encephalitis. You can join us in-person at […]

3 - 4 December 2025
Hybrid
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Page Created: 3 October 2023
Last Modified: 8 May 2025

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Call our helpline on:
+44 (0) 1653 699 599
Or email:
support@encephalitis.info