Managing cognitive changes after encephalitis

Learning to manage changes in cognition after encephalitis means becoming more aware of how you think and feel, accepting your strengths and challenges without judgement and adopting new coping strategies.

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The Encephalitis Society and research

A brief look at how the Encephalitis Society has supported and funded research
Support Research

All donations will be doubled - and support research - during Encephalitis Research Month in June
Encephalitis 2023 Programme

Full Conference Programme to be announced in September. Keynote and guest speakers and final running order for both days confirmed.
Euroimmun UK

Managing emotional changes after encephalitis

Emotional changes are particularly common in life after encephalitis, feelings of grief and hopelessness can be part of the process of adjusting to the challenges you face.
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.
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
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. The DVLA requires that you inform them if you have encephalitis.
Social care needs

If you think that you or somebody (adult) you look after has care and support needs, you may want to contact the local authority (adult social care team) to arrange an assessment of these needs. The Care Act 2014 covers adult social care in England for anyone over the age of 18.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

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.