Get Help Get information Encephalitis in adults Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation Download English version PDF Encephalitis:after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation Download Welsh version Enseffalitis: Ôl-effeithiau, gwellhad ac adferiad Some people recover from encephalitis with a few or no difficulties. Other people are left with significant after-effects. 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. Detailed information about encephalitis and its effects can be found on our website www.encephalitis.info or by telephone on +44(0)1653 699599. If you would like information on the source material and references used to write this booklet please contact the Encephalitis Society. DISCLAIMER The information presented here is not reflective of every situation where encephalitis is involved and some of the information may not be relevant to every patient. Information provided in this booklet is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and medical professionals. Should any of the information raise issues or give you reasons for concerns we would ask you contact us on +44 (0) 1653 699599 or [email protected] Order a hardcopy Life after encephalitis: key facts Encephalitis may result in an acquired brain injury (ABI). Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Although some people recover from encephalitis with no consequences, in some people nerve cells in the brain may be damaged or destroyed by the inflammation. The resulting damage is termed an acquired brain injury (ABI). No two people with encephalitis have an identical outcome. The degree and the type of damage vary according to the cause of encephalitis, the severity of the inflammation, the area of the brain affected and any delay in administering the appropriate treatment. Most of the after-effects of encephalitis are hidden (invisible). People affected by encephalitis may look like they did before the illness with more problems being cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social rather than physical. Some of the problems can be subtle at the time of discharge from hospital, but become evident later, when people are attempting to get back to normal life and work. The danger is that these problems may be misattributed to factors such as ‘stress’ rather than being associated with their brain injury. Encephalitis can affect people’s emotions and the way people perceive themselves and others. The emotional impact of encephalitis is different for each individual depending on the brain systems affected by encephalitis, their personality, their emotional state prior to their brain injury, their social support network (family and friends) and their stage of recovery. An emotional reaction to the brain injury may sometimes be the first step on the road to recovery. This is because it suggests that people are more likely to have an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and may therefore be more likely to benefit from rehabilitation. People recover at different paces, however, there can be a continuum of improvement. Initial recovery may be rapid but it can fall short of complete. Further recovery takes place more slowly over a period of months and even years. Healthy diet, gentle exercise, rest, pacing your activities, determination, a positive attitude and emotional and practical support can help your recovery. Encephalitis is a family affair. Coming to terms with the problems left by this illness can be distressing and challenging for everyone concerned. Initially, there may be relief and joy that the person affected has survived. Later, when it becomes evident that the person cannot function like they did before the illness, there may be a sense of loss and grief. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and time. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the loss and allow time to grieve, support from family, friends and professionals can make all the difference. The Encephalitis Society is aware of some amazing stories of recovery. People discover new skills and interests, make new friendships and become closer to their families. If you have found this information helpful, please consider making a donation to help us continue our life-saving work in the future. Make a Donation FEEDBACK What do you think about this information booklet? Please leave us your feedback Manage Cookie Preferences