After-effects of encephalitis

Nerve cells may be damaged or destroyed by both the infection and inflammation. The resulting damage is termed acquired brain injury (ABI). There will be a wide variation in how encephalitis affects the person. No two people will have the same outcome. The loss of brain function from ABI can range from minor, to more significant, impairments. The degree and type of damage will vary according to the cause and severity of the inflammation, the parts of the brain affected and any delay in treatment. There may be cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behavioural problems.

You can read about all the after-effects in the booklet Encephalitis:after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation or you can read below about specific types of after-effects: cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behaviour and social consequences. Please don't forget to tell us what you think about the information you read by completing the short feedback form on each page.