Encephalitis in young people

Encephalitis can not only have an impact on the young person affected but also their family, friends, and school. Our guides and factsheets offer information on all aspects of encephalitis, from its diagnosis through to its effects and recovery and rehabiliation as well as information for teachers, family doctors and more.

There are also opportunities for young people and family members to connect with others who are recovering from encephalitis.

Our award-winning support team are also available to answer any questions you may have. Contact the support team

If you have found this information helpful, please consider making a donation to help us continue our life-saving work in the future.

Make a Donation

Encephalitis in children. E-learning

The e-learning programme aims to improve the knowledge about encephalitis and its consequences to parents/guardians and their children. It also provides advice and practical strategies in order to develop copings skills and enhance their recovery. Read more

Facebook support groups

We have created two Facebook support groups for 13-17 year-olds and 18-25 year-olds. Find out more and join today. Read more

Information and advice during COVID-19

This time has been demanding for all children/young people but for children post-encephalitis this may have been even more challenging if they have associated cognitive, emotional and behavioural, social and physical challenges. Read more

Understanding Encephalitis Animations

We are developing a series of 60-90 second animations explaining "what is encephalitis?" to all audiences. The short films look at the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, effects, recovery and rehabilitation and the wider impacts of encephalitis. You can watch the series so far here. Read more

Virtual gatherings

Join the staff and supporters of the Encephalitis Society in a regular online chat. Meetings held weekly. Read more

Young People's Video Stories

A collection of films made by the Encephalitis Society featuring young people sharing their experiences of encephalitis. Read more

Latest

My Brain and Medicine 2022

Join the Encephalitis Society for our first hybrid My Brain and Medicine, Monday April 25, 2022. There will be talks by professionals working in the field of encephalitis and people who have been directly affected by encephalitis.
Giving Tuesday - celebrating the global day of giving
Managing emotional changes after encephalitis

Emotional changes are particularly common in life after encephalitis, feelings of grief and hopelessness can be part of the process of adjusting to the challenges you face.
Managing cognitive changes after encephalitis

Learning to manage changes in cognition after encephalitis means becoming more aware of how you think and feel, accepting your strengths and challenges without judgement and adopting new coping strategies.

NMDAR antibody encephalitis

NMDAR antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disease that causes psychiatric features, confusion, memory loss and seizures followed by a movement disorder, loss of consciousness and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. Usually, it begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms followed by neurological deterioration, which may include personality and behavioural changes, seizures, weakness and difficulties in communication.
What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
Guidelines for recovery

No two people with encephalitis have the same outcomes. People recover at different paces. Recovery can be helped by having lots of rest, good nutrition, helpful social network and support from professionals.
West Nile encephalitis

West Nile encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird.
Limbic encephalitis

The term ‘limbic encephalitis’ (LE) describes the condition when limbic areas of the brain are inflamed (swollen) and consequently not functioning properly. Most forms of LE fall into two main categories: infectious encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.
Death from encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition and unfortunately, despite improvements in specific and more supportive treatments such as excellent intensive care management, encephalitis still has a high mortality (death) rate.
Encephalitis:after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

This booklet provides key information about the type of issues that people may have after encephalitis, why rehabilitation/support from professionals and families are important and what options for self-help are available.
Emotional and behavioural changes

Following encephalitis, some people may experience emotional and behavioural changes including low mood, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, frustration, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, and/or poor emotional regulation.
Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is an infectious encephalitis caused by Japanese encephalitis virus transmitted by mosquitoes, called ‘Culex’ mosquitoes.