An interview with author Catherine Jessop

Author Catherine Jessop joins Dr Ava Easton to talk about her excellent new book Pulling Through: Help for Families Navigating Life-Changing Illness.

On Boxing Day 2016, Catherine's husband, Alan, had his first devastating seizure as a result of encephalitis, thrusting the Jessop family into an unknown world.

In her book, she shares advice and inspiration on everything she has learned, with chapters clarifying medical terms and explaining tests and scans as well as explaining some of the financial and legal issues around illness.

Catherine also focuses on the emotional side of having a relative with a brain injury and how it affects the whole family, sharing her own thoughts on how to look after the mental health of both patient and carer and the power of nature, humour, music and optimism.

This is an excellent chat about an excellent book - enjoy!

Pulling Through: Help for Families Navigating Life-Changing Illness is available to order from Amazon and all good bookshops.

Follow @BooksCanHelp

Catherine will be speaking at My Brain: My Story on Saturday, October 23rd. You can join us at this Encephalitis Society event virtually or in person at Aston University, Birmingham.

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

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

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