Dr Ava Easton

Dr Ava Easton is Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society, a researcher and global expert on encephalitis patient outcomes and quality of life.

Ava has produced and published many papers, book chapters, and a book (Life After Encephalitis) on various aspects of encephalitis and its after-effects; she also speaks at conferences and lectures around the world on the condition and its impact for patients and their families.

Her expertise also extends to neuro-narratives, narrative medicine, and patient and public engagement.

Ava is involved in a number of research studies looking into the processes and outcomes of encephalitis and is an Honorary Fellow in the Dept. of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool; Consultant, Campaign for Infectious Diseases, The Wellcome Trust; Member, Global Neuro Research Coalition: Member, Steering Committee, COVID-CNS [The COVID-Clinical Neuroscience Study] and Patient and Public Engagement Lead; Chair, Patient and Public Involvement Panel; and Steering Committee Member - The Global Health Research Group on Brain Infections; Ambassador for the European Brain Injury Council.

Ava also acts as a consultant to various Media (Radio and Television) on encephalitis and acquired brain injury. Most recently with ITN Productions and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene on a Global Health documentary with Natasha Kaplinsky; Hollyoaks, a UK TV show, for a long-running storyline on encephalitis; Consultancy on three episodes of UK drama Doctors; and on the documentaries The Kids with no memory (UK) and Wiped Clean (Australia). Theatre consultancy has included Off The Wall Theatre Company; and Derby Live Productions.

SELECTED AWARDS/RECOGNITION

Charity Leader of the Year – Charity Times Awards - Highly Commended, 2022
CEO of the Year – Third Sector Awards - Finalist 2021
Charity Leader of the Year – Charity Times Awards - Finalist 2020
Inspiring Communicator of the Year, Charity Comms – Winner 2019
Top UK Social CEO – 2014, 2017, 2019 - Winner
EyeForPharma – Patient Advocate of The Year – Finalist – 2019
CEO of the Year – Third Sector Awards – Finalist – 2018
Charity of the Year – The Charity Times Awards – Winner – 2017

Ava was invited by The Queen to her Diamond Jubilee Garden Party at Buckingham Palace (2012) in recognition of her work in encephalitis and also received an award in 2018 from the Queen’s High Sheriff of North Yorkshire for her work on encephalitis. In 2023, the Encephalitis Society was one of six charities chosen to present their work to King Charles during a visit to North Yorkshire.

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Fundraising Relationships Manager
WEDA Conference - Empowering Hope

A three-day World Encephalitis Day event in Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2024. Brought to you by The World Encephalitis Day Alliance
Baroness Fiona Twycross

Baroness (Fiona) Twycross was appointed to the House of Lords in November 2022. She is Education Spokesperson in the Lords and a Labour Whip.
Predictors and psychological outcomes associated with perceived boundary ambiguity in families affected by acute, non-progressive neurological conditions

Dr Stephen Ray

Clinical Lecturer, Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Oxford
Dr Greta Wood

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow - Infectious Diseases, Clinical Infection, Microbiology & Immunology, Institute of Infection, University of Liverpool, UK
Prav Prathapan

Senior Medical Writer
Assoc Prof Maarten Titulaer

Co-director Academic Center for Neuro-inflammatory Disorders, Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Professor Frank Leypoldt

Neuroimmunology, Inst. of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Neurology Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
Assist Prof Kiran Thakur

Winifred Mercer Pitkin, MD Assistant Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA
Professor Carsten Finke

Heisenberg Professor for Cognitive Neurology, Charité Berlin, Dept. of Neurology & Berlin School of Mind and Brain at Humboldt Universität
Dr James Sejvar

Neuroepidemiologist, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr Matteo Gastaldi

Neurologist, Neuroimmunology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
Poonam Mistry

Data Insights and CRM Manager

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.
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.
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.
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.