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 itRead 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 allRead 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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Event sponsorship

Find out more about the sponsorship packages that we have available for events organised by the Encephalitis Society

Hannah's Story

Hannah, from Dublin, was hospitalised days after her 21st birthday and treated for depression, anxiety and borderline psychosis before she was diagnosed her with Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis. This is her story.

My Brain: My Story

Join us in Edinburgh for a special opportunity to hear and share the real-life stories of encephalitis.

My Brain: My Family

A unique event which gives families the chance to work with a Neuropsychologist on family resilience and then travel the Thames on the London Fire Brigade Fire Boats

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.

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.

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis

Anti-NMDAR 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.

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.

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.

Japanese encephalitis

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

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.

Get support (now)

Our Helpline is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis

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.

Encephalitis-guidelines for travellers

With increasing numbers of people travelling worldwide and the international spread of viruses (e.g. Zika virus), it is important to highlight the risk of infectious encephalitis and their preventive measures.