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  1. Stories and News
  2. My brain and me

My Brain and Me

My Brain and Me is a unique project to share stories and experiences of encephalitis through a series of short films. You can find all the films here and on our YouTube channel, on our "My Brain and Me" playlist.

If you are in any way affected by these stories please do get in touch with our support team on [email protected] or call +44(0)1653 699599. 

Our My Brain and Me Project is proudly supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.


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

Becky's Story

Becky's Story

Becky became ill with encephalitis when she was 16. She shares her story and offers advice for adapting to life after encephalitis. Read more

Published: 12th March, 2022

Updated: 10th March, 2023

Author: Sara Birch Ares

Bev's Story

Bev's Story

Bev talks about being the full time carer for her son Richard who was affected by encephalitis in his early 20s. Read more

Published: 7th February, 2018

Updated: 9th February, 2022

Author: Phillippa Chapman

Chelsea's Story

Chelsea's Story

Chelsea talks about when she contracted Japanese Encephalitis whilst in Thailand. Read more

Published: 7th February, 2018

Updated: 7th April, 2022

Author: Phillippa Chapman

Clair's Story

Clair's Story

WATCH - When Clair woke up in hospital after falling ill with encephalitis, she had no idea that the people by her bedside were her parents. Her dad, Mark, tells her story. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2019

Updated: 25th May, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Dawn's story

Dawn's story

Dawn - who was affected by HSV encephalitis at 17 - talks about her experiences of encephalitis, her recovery, and its impact on her life. Read more

Published: 16th July, 2019

Updated: 28th July, 2022

Author: Andrew Pitt

Gabe's story

Gabe's story

How a small ritual between Gabe and Andy, from Nashville, became even more important when Gabe became poorly with encephalitis. Read more

Published: 19th February, 2021

Updated: 25th May, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Hannah's Story

Hannah's Story

Hannah talks about her experiences with HSE, rehabilitation, and the impact the illness has had on her family. Read more

Published: 11th June, 2020

Updated: 24th May, 2021

Author: Sara Birch Ares

Hayleigh's Story

Hayleigh's Story

Hayleigh, from London, became poorly with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis in 2012. The then university student filmed a documentary about her experiences. Read more

Published: 13th May, 2020

Updated: 14th June, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Lisa's story

Lisa's story

Lisa shares her story of falling ill and living with autoimmune encephalitis. Read more

Published: 27th February, 2019

Updated: 21st June, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Maddy's story

Maddy's story

Maddy, from Le Mars, Iowa, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's encephalitis in 2014. Today, she shares her story with others and talks about the impact of encephalitis Read more

Published: 19th November, 2018

Updated: 14th June, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Pauline's Story

Pauline's Story

Pauline was affected by autoimmune LGI1encephalitis in 2015 and then again in 2017. Here she shares her story and experiences with us. This film is part of our My Brain and Me Project. Read more

Published: 3rd June, 2021

Updated: 9th February, 2022

Author: Laura Bowditch

Paul's Story

Paul's Story

Paul, who was affected by encephalitis as a teenager, shares his story with us, and the impact encephalitis has had on his life. Read more

Published: 8th April, 2020

Updated: 20th July, 2021

Author: Sara Birch Ares

Richard's Story

Richard's Story

Richard, who was affected in his 20s, talks about life following encephalitis. He shares his experiences of the after-effects of his encephalitis, his interest in mindfulness, and living in the present. Read more

Published: 7th February, 2018

Updated: 9th February, 2022

Author: Phillippa Chapman

Stolen Lives

Stolen Lives

A short video about what encephalitis is and how those affected are supported by the Encephalitis Society. Read more

Published: 11th May, 2018

Updated: 25th May, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Sue's story

Sue's story

Sue talks about her experiences with meningoencephalitis, its diagnosis, her treatment and recovery. Read more

Published: 5th July, 2019

Updated: 11th June, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

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Showing 10 of 15

Latest

  • Overview of autoimmune encephalitis and its relevance to psychiatry

    Overview of autoimmune encephalitis and its relevance to psychiatry

    Webinar organised by the The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis (RAAE).

  • Gift in Your Will

    Gift in Your Will

    By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure we will be there to help people affected by encephalitis and their families for generations to come

  • Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Dr Lance Turtle joins the Encephalitis Podcast to talk about the Japanese encephalitis virus and its impact on Australia since March 2022.

  • Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Research Manager

Most read

  • NMDAR antibody encephalitis

    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 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?

    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

    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.

  • Limbic encephalitis

    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

    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.

  • West Nile encephalitis

    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.

  • Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

    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

    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.

  • Get support

    Get support

    Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.

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Encephalitis Society, 32 Castlegate,
Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7DT
United Kingdom
T: +44(0)1653 692583
E: [email protected] (general enquiries)
E: [email protected] (support enquiries)
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The Encephalitis Society is the operating name of the Encephalitis Support Group which is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered in England and Wales No. 04189027. Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1087843. Registered Charity in Scotland: SC048210

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