Factsheets

The Encephalitis Society produces a wide range of factsheets aimed at people affected by encephalitis, their families, friends, carers, professionals involved in their care and anybody interested in encephalitis and its consequences.

They are available in different format: electronic (website pages and PDFs on the Encephalitis explained section of the website) and paper copy on request from our office. All our factsheets are accredited by The Information Standard, a certification scheme supported by the NHS England.

We produce factsheets on following topics:

symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
types of encephalitis
effects of encephalitis: cognitive, emotional, behavioural, physical and social
returning to work or education

Please see below an alphabetical list of our factsheets:

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Free Spirit Travel Insurance
In-person support groups

We run in-person support groups across the UK and in Ireland. Hosted by our Support Volunteers in the local area, this is an opportunity to meet like-minded people in an informal and relaxed setting.
International Research Seed Funding

Researchers in low to middle income countries are being invited to apply for seed funding from the Encephalitis Society. Deadline 9 September 2022!
Twitter Art Exhibit: An Interview with Susannah Cahalan

Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire, chats to Mathew Bose about the Twitter Art Exhibit and how the drawing of a clock helped a doctor diagnose her with autoimmune encephalitis

Siblings of children with encephalitis

Encephalitis may affect the whole family including siblings. They may have very mixed feelings, alternating between love, protectiveness and jealousy, and resentment and irritation.
Information and advice during COVID-19

This time has been demanding for all children/young people but for children post-encephalitis this may have been even more challenging if they have associated cognitive, emotional and behavioural, social and physical challenges.
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.
Responding to challenging behaviour

Following encephalitis, some people may experience behaviours that are challenging to manage. Families and friends may struggle to understand and cope with these new behaviours.
Medikidz explain encephalitis

This is a comic book aimed at children in primary school which explains in their language what happens when somebody has encephalitis. The main characters are the Medikidz, the superheroes who live on Mediland.
Gilley the Giraffe

Gilley is the star of our children's storybook "Gilley the Giraffe . . . who changed".
Encephalitis in children - A guide

The Encephalitis in children. A guide follows the child and their family's journey from hospital ward to rehabilitation settings, school and home, hoping to direct them through the maze of health care, education and social care.
Encephalitis in adults. A guide

Encephalitis in Adults. A guide explains the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and after-effects of the illness and provides guidelines for recovery and rehabilitation.

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.
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.
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.
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.