Stolen Lives

A short video created by Nick Crean and Cath Ryan about what encephalitis is and how those affected are supported by the Encephalitis Society.

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

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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!
Becky's Story

Becky became ill with encephalitis when she was 16. She shares her story and offers advice for adapting to life after encephalitis.
Brie's story

Brie writes about how art has helped during her recovery from HSV encephalitis
Graham's story

Graham was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis in April 2021 after 9 months of living with the condition. He writes about his illness, diagnosis, the impact of his encephalitis and his ongoing treatment.
Zanna's story

Zanna Beswick, who was affected by German measles encephalitis, writes about living with a long virus and what lessons can be learned by people with 'Long Covid'

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.
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

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.