My Brain and Me

My Brain and Me - Alison's Story

As part of our My Brain and Me project, Alison shares her story of encephalitis. Alison was a little girl when she became ill with encephalitis. In this story she tells us what impact encephalitis has had on her growing up.Read more

My Brain and Me - Bev's Story

As part of our My Brain and Me project Bev talks about being the full time carer for her son Richard who was affected by encephalitis in his early 20s.Read more

My Brain and Me - Chelsea's Story

As part of the My Brain and Me series Chelsea talks about when she contracted Japanese Encephalitis whilst in Thailand.Read more

My Brain and Me - Jenny's Story

As part of our My Brain and Me project, Jenny talks about her experience of Anti-NMDA encephalitis.Read more

My Brain and Me - Richard's Story

As part of our My Brain and Me project, Richard talks about life following encephalitis.Read more

My Brain and Me - Thomas's Story

As part of our My Brain and Me project, Thomas shares his story of encephalitis. Thomas was only a toddler when his mum was struck down with encephalitis, he tells us what is it like to grow up with brain injury a part of his family.Read more

Latest

Tony's story

Tony talks about his journey after falling ill with autoimmune encephalitis in 2012 and coming to terms with the 'new me'

Wayne's Manx Mountain Marathon

Wayne Marshall, from Lancashire, battled his way to the finishing line of the 50km Manx Mountain Marathon for his father-in-law. Read his story.

Other ways to give

Explore the different ways you can make a donation to the Encephalitis Society and support our work

Deputy Mayor honour for Dr Fiona Twycross

Dr Fiona Twycross, a trustee with the Encephalitis Society, is London's first ever Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience

What is encephalitis?

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

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.

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.

Measles infection and encephalitis

Measles causes encephalitis in children with measles infection. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a very effective way to prevent against these diseases.

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.

Japanese encephalitis

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

Get support (now)

Our Helpline is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis

Anti-NMDAR 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.

Encephalitis-guidelines for travellers

With increasing numbers of people travelling worldwide and the international spread of viruses (e.g. Zika virus), it is important to highlight the risk of infectious encephalitis and their preventive measures.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy

Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a rare condition, which is probably of autoimmune origin. The concept of HE is becoming fragmented into a number of other types of autoimmune encephalitis which appear to have their own autoantibodies, prognosis and associated features.