Richard's Story

Richard, who was affected by encephalitis in his early 20s, shares his story with us. He shares his experiences of the after-effects of his encephalitis, his interest in mindfulness, and living in the present.

If you are affected by this story at all we encourage you to get in touch with our support team [email protected]

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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

Nicholas' story - Five Years On

Sarah's son, Nicholas, passed away in 2018. Five years later, she reflects on the impact of his loss and her grief
Betzabé's Story

Betzabé was affected by viral encephalitis in 2017 and sadly passed away in 2020. Her sister tells her story and how it affected her life.
Ger's Story

Ger tells the story of his three experiences with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis and how it affected the course of his life.
Elissa's Story

Elissa was diagnosed with viral encephalitis back in 2019. In her story, she talks about her time in hospital as well as her journey to recovery.
Audrey's Story

Audrey fell ill while on holiday with her daughter and when she returned home had a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. She writes about the early signs of her illness as well as the long term affects encephalitis has had on her life after being diagnosed at age 58.
Hannah W's Story

Hannah from North Carolina was diagnosed with Anti NMDAR encephalitis in the summer of 2021. She writes about her experience in hospital and her return to university.
Barbara's story

Barbara became poorly with measles encephalitis when she was six-years-old. She shares her story and talks about the obstacles she had to overcome.
Paula's story

Paula became ill with viral encephalitis just after her first birthday party. This is her story
Ross' story

Ross, from Australia, had encephalitis two years ago. The 63-year-old writes about his recovery and how his love of the ocean and surfing has helped his recovery.
Macy's story

Macy, a fit and healthy 20-something from the USA, was diagnosed with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis after a series of psychotic fits and hallucinations. She talks about her illness, her recovery and finally completing the New York Marathon!

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.