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 - Lisa's story

As part of our My Brain and Me project, Lisa shares her story of falling ill and living with autoimmune 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

Stolen Lives

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

Latest

Jeremy's story

Jeremy was recovering from a kidney transplant when he was affected by meningoencephalitis. He talks about his journey, his recovery and his lovely wife, Sue, who sacrificed so much for his health

Gary's story

Gary, from Detroit, was eight years-old when he fell ill with measles which then transitioned into encephalitis. The armed forces veteran, now 77, talks about his experiences and shares his advice about anyone going through a similar situation.

Paul's story

Paul turned to photography after falling ill with encephalitis. This passion not only led him to earn a degree and (currently) pursue a Masters but is something he also credits with helping him in his recovery.

Research methods in 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 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.

Japanese encephalitis

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

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.

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.

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.