Other types

Encephalitis Lethargica

Encephalitis lethargica (EL) is a serious and rare form of encephalitis. The neurologist Oliver Sacks described the ‘awakenings’ of past cases, but recent papers have described contemporary cases and defined the disease in modern terms. Read more

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the brain

HIV can affect the brain in different ways: HIV-meningoencephalitis, HIV-encephalopathy (HIV-associated dementia) and mild neurocognitive disorder. Read more

Subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis (SSPE)

SSPE is a very rare type of encephalitis which can follow natural measles virus infection. Unfortunately, SSPE is a progressive form of encephalitis without a cure. Read more

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Mark's story

Mark became ill with viral encephalitis caused by the Epstein Bar Virus when he was a rugby mad 17-year-old. He reflects on his journey 16 years later.

Richard's story

"Before encephalitis, I cried perhaps a handful of times in my adult life. Of all the changes that encephalitis has brought into my life, crying frequently is not one that I am sorry about."

Natasha's story

Natasha was a happy and health toddler when she fell ill with encephalitis in 1996. She talks about her recovery, the guilt she sometimes feels, and coming to terms with the impact that encephalitis has had on her.

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.