Encephalitis Podcast - World Encephalitis Day 2023

Welcome to a special World Encephalitis Day edition of the Encephalitis Podcast.

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of the Encephalitis Society, is joined by Dr Thomas Pollak, from Kings College London, and Dr Jesus Ramirez-Bermudez, of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, to talk about some two new important research papers around mental health and encephalitis.

An important note for our viewers and listeners: this podcast will be touching on some difficult areas, including more broad mental health issues and difficult topics such as self-harm and suicide.

If this is something which may lead to difficult emotions for you or for someone you know, please know that our support team are here to help.

We also some other resources which we have put together around mental health which we believe will be helpful to anyone affected by encephalitis and also their family and friends.

This includes links to useful organisations around the world, a factsheet on mental health and lots of sources of support and information.

The Encephalitis Podcast is available on YouTube and all good podcast channels, including Apple, Google Play, Spotify and Podbean

Latest

Overview of autoimmune encephalitis and its relevance to psychiatry

Webinar organised by the The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis (RAAE).
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

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

A message from the Encephalitis Society

A message from the Encephalitis Society about World Encephalitis Day media campaign
Connect with other people affected by encephalitis

We have members who are based across the world who like nothing more than offering a friendly ear for anyone who has been affected by encephalitis.
Crisis lines worldwide

Help is available! As we do not offer a crisis support line, we have put together a directory of crisis lines open 24/7 in most of the countries worldwide.
Mental health and encephalitis

Our mental health often fluctuates or changes. Some people affected by encephalitis may experience changes to their mental health. Help is available. With the right support, things can get better.

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.

Further Reading