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.

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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

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

Hannah's Story

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

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

Lisa's story

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

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

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

Stolen Lives

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

Sue's story

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

Latest

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.
Trustee - Communications, PR and Marketing

The Encephalitis Society is seeking a trustee to help with its Communications, PR and Marketing
Young Person's Residential Weekend 2021

The Young Person's Residential Weekend took place in the Peak District in August 2021

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.
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.
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

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.
Japanese encephalitis

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