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  1. Encephalitis explained
  2. Effects
  3. After-effects of encephalitis

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.

Cognitive changes after encephalitis

Cognitive changes after encephalitis

Cognition refers to mental processes such as attention, memory, language, problem solving, decision making, planning and organisation. Following encephalitis, an individual will experience changes in these mental abilities to varying degrees and, in turn, may have difficulties in their everyday activities. Read more

Published: 22nd June, 2017

Updated: 6th October, 2020

Author: Alina Ellerington

Emotional and behavioural changes

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. Read more

Published: 22nd June, 2017

Updated: 4th January, 2021

Author: Alina Ellerington

Physical difficulties after encephalitis

Physical difficulties after encephalitis

Fatigue is one of the most common problems people experience after encephalitis. Weaknesses, difficulty controlling their movement, seizures, sensory changes, pain, changes in sexual functioning and hormonal changes can be experienced by people after having had encephalitis. Read more

Published: 27th June, 2017

Updated: 6th October, 2020

Author: Alina Ellerington

Seizures and Encephalitis

Seizures and Encephalitis

Seizures are common during the initial stages of encephalitis, when people are typically quite unwell in hospital and some patients go on to develop epilepsy after encephalitis. Read more

Published: 18th November, 2022

Updated: 1st March, 2023

Author: Pearl Findlay-Dykes

Social consequences of encephalitis

Social consequences of encephalitis

Following encephalitis, it is common for people to experience changes in their thinking, behaviour and feelings. These changes may make it difficult to take part in everyday activities such as work, driving, running a household, or making plans with friends or family. Read more

Published: 27th June, 2017

Updated: 17th October, 2021

Author: Alina Ellerington

The after-effects research project

The after-effects research project

This project summary presents findings from a research project into the after effects and social consequences of encephalitis. Read more

Published: 29th March, 2018

Updated: 3rd June, 2020

Author: Alina Ellerington

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Showing 10 of 6

Latest

  • Gift in Your Will

    Gift in Your Will

    By leaving a gift in your Will, you can ensure we will be there to help people affected by encephalitis and their families for generations to come

  • Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - The Encephalitis Podcast

    Dr Lance Turtle joins the Encephalitis Podcast to talk about the Japanese encephalitis virus and its impact on Australia since March 2022.

  • Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Research Manager

  • Senior Medical Writer

Most read

  • NMDAR antibody encephalitis

    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 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?

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • West Nile 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.

  • Encephalitis: after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

    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

    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

    Get support

    Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.

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Encephalitis Society, 32 Castlegate,
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The Encephalitis Society is the operating name of the Encephalitis Support Group which is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered in England and Wales No. 04189027. Registered Office as above. Registered Charity No. 1087843. Registered Charity in Scotland: SC048210

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