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  • research-month
  1. Encephalitis research
  2. Research month

Research Month

June is Encephalitis Research Month.

It is also a month where we continue to inch towards a New Normal of life after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic – a life where social distancing continues to ease, where pubs, clubs and restaurants are open, and where travel abroad becomes more and more likely.

But for survivors of encephalitis, returning to normal after lockdowns means their New Normal will continue to mean a life of restrictions and the challenges that come with the hidden disability of an acquired brain injury, problems such as epilepsy, fatigue, memory problems and difficulties returning to school or work.

In addition drastic cuts to government funding and decimated donations to medical research charities as a result of the pandemic risk jeopardising essential research that will improve treatment and outcomes for patients affected by neurological conditions like encephalitis.

People affected by neurological conditions such as encephalitis saw the profile of their experiences raised as a result of the public and policymaker’s attention on COVID-19 and the devastation it has wreaked on those touched by the condition, and in particular those who experienced neurological complications as a result.

Dr Ava Easton, the Chief Executive of the Encephalitis Society, said: “While returning to how life was before the COVID-19 pandemic is to be very much welcomed, we also have very real concerns that the people we work with – both researchers and patients - may get left behind.  Our beneficiaries don’t want a 'new normal' – they want the general public, the government and research institutions to keep at the forefront of their minds the impact of neurological conditions like encephalitis on those it affects and their families.

“The country’s main science funder, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has seen its budgets nearly halved from 245m to 125m [1]. With such deep cuts to government research spending and our exit from Europe our position as a global science leader is under threat.  Research studies will be jeopardised, researchers will move to other countries, and research networks and collaborations will be destroyed.

And with income to medical charities like ours decimated because of our inability to raise funds over the last 15 months due to COVID19 the future looks bleak [2].

We mustn’t sit by and watch this happen without making a noise and that’s why this June – Encephalitis Research Month – we are asking people to support our campaign, focusing on increased awareness of these conditions and supporting better investment into research for neurological conditions like encephalitis, ensuring we maintain the UK’s world-class reputation for science, research and innovation.”

How Can You Help?

Throughout June, the Encephalitis Society will be speaking to journalists, sharing messages on social media and calling on everyone to support Encephalitis Research Month in whatever way they can.

We will be calling for:

  • Continued and increased awareness of neurological conditions like encephalitis and better support for the impact they can have on the communities they affect (i.e injury to the brain and mental health problems).
  • Investment not cuts to pioneering research funding, as we have seen for COVID-19, into comparable neurological conditions like encephalitis - accelerating our understanding of how to support people with neurological complications like encephalitis to live their best lives, is vita

Get Involved

  1. Support our online campaign by searching for the hashtag #EncephalitisResearchMonth
  2. MAKE A DONATION toward our life-saving work 

References

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/31/uk-scientists-funding-cuts-grants-foreign-aid

https://www.ft.com/content/ac2042fa-41ed-473b-b3d0-0fe27eed38c7

https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/03/17/the-government-must-urgently-reconsider-uk-research-and-innovation-funding-cuts/

[2] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32397-7/fulltext

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5426/documents/54219/default/ 

Encephalitis Research - Find out more

Encephalitis Research - Find out more

Find out more about encephalitis research, the work that is being carried out and some of the people behind research around the world. Read more

Published: 22nd May, 2019

Updated: 26th May, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

How we help health professionals

How we help health professionals

The Encephalitis Society works closely with health professionals around the world, providing information, collaborating on research and offering expertise wherever possible Read more

Published: 24th May, 2019

Updated: 26th May, 2021

Author: Andrew Pitt

Professional Membership

Professional Membership

Sign up for free professional membership of the Society and enjoy our exciting benefits Read more

Published: 4th July, 2017

Updated: 22nd April, 2022

Author: Andrew Pitt

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Showing 10 of 3

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    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.

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    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.

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  • Death from encephalitis

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    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

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    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.

  • Emotional and behavioural changes

    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.

  • Get support

    Get support

    Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.

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Encephalitis Society, 32 Castlegate,
Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7DT
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The Encephalitis Society is the operating name of the Encephalitis Support Group which is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered in England and Wales No. 04189027. Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1087843. Registered Charity in Scotland: SC048210

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