Practical strategies

Behaviour management in children after encephalitis

After encephalitis, children can be left with various and complex needs which may impact on how they behave. To help change a child’s behaviour it is essential to have an assessment of the difficulties that may lie behind it Read more

Depression after encephalitis

Chances of becoming depressed are increased after encephalitis. Encephalitis can injure the brain making it more vulnerable to depression, can cause disabilities that can be difficult to adjust to and/or can cause other problems, for example losing your job, and that can make it difficult to cope and affects how someone views themselves. Read more

Driving after encephalitis

Driving involves more complex skills than simply the mechanical ability to drive a vehicle. Some of the after-effects of encephalitis may pose challenges for drivers or those who want to learn to drive. DVLA requires that you inform them if you have encephalitis. Concentration difficulties, memory problems, difficulties in learning and a slowed response to situations are all Read more

Holidays and respite breaks

After having had encephalitis, going on holiday or respite breaks may require advance planning in order to enjoy the time away. Read more

Managing anger after encephalitis

Encephalitis may lead to emotional and behavioural changes, including problems managing anger. With professional support, anger may be managed by identifying trigger situations and the signs of anger, putting in place adequate strategies. Read more

Managing fatigue after encephalitis

Following encephalitis, it is common for people to experience fatigue. Fatigue has a huge impact on people’s lives as it interferes with everyday tasks. Read more

Managing memory problems after encephalitis

Memory loss is the most frequent and often most disabling effect of encephalitic illness. There are several straightforward practical steps that can support the everyday activities of someone with memory problems post-encephalitis. Read more

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Some recent facts and figures about the work of the Encephalitis Society

Fundraising Policy

Our policy about fundraising for the Encephalitis Society safely and legally.

Fans of Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2019 travel health campaign for fans

Katharina's story

Katharina was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis over two years ago. She reflects on her illness and what life is like for her today

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.