Research Month

Since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged at the end of 2019, there is growing evidence which suggests that it can cause neurological complications, including encephalitis.

That is why we are launching our second annual Encephalitis Research Month by calling for more investment into research so scientists and treating physicians can better understand this relationship and improve patient support moving forward.

As well as the need to understand how and why Covid-19 is causing encephalitis in some patients, previous epidemics have also demonstrated that viruses like Covid-19 are more likely to cause or make worse neurological, psychiatric or cognitive difficulties for people.

However, at the moment, we do not know enough to help us understand the long term impact of this and how best to treat people affected.

And then there is the impact that measures such as social distancing have on the general public’s mental health and wellbeing.

Lockdown and physical distancing measures will contribute to increased levels of isolation and loneliness, economic hardship, domestic violence, substance and alcohol use, all of which increase the likelihood of things like depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, suicide and self-harm. 

People affected by encephalitis may be particularly susceptible to some of these factors, given that we know they already have an increased risk of disorders such as epilepsy, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, cognitive problems, dementia, headache, and alcohol abuse.[1]

That is why we are calling for more investment into research so we can better identify and understand the neurological and psychiatric complications of Covid-19 as well as improve after-care for millions of people worldwide, including those affected by conditions such as encephalitis.

How Can You Help?

The Encephalitis Society is the world’s leading charitable funder of and collaborator in encephalitis research.

Because of your donations, we can fund cutting edge research into the causes and effects of encephalitis. We are dedicated to accelerating our understanding of encephalitis and never has this been more urgent because new viruses like COVID-19 can cause neurological complications like encephalitis.  

You’ll be hearing much more about our activities during Research Month and if you would like to be kept up to date with these plans, please become a Professional Member of the Encephalitis Society. Membership is free to all medical and health professionals.

You can find out more about Encephalitis Research Month below.

MAKE A DONATION today and help us continue to fund life-saving and life changing research into encephalitis.

[1] Granerod, et al, 2017: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27766471/#