The first World Encephalitis Day, launched by the Encephalitis Society, is on Saturday 22 February 2014, and will run on the 22 February every year from now on. The themed day intends to raise awareness of the condition, the potential impact, and how to live with the condition. Different fundraising and awareness events are being held across the UK (and the rest of the World) that you can get involved in.
For further information and details of World Encephalitis Day events, go to www.worldencephalitisday.org or follow The Encephalitis Society on Twitter @encephalitis.
What is encephalitis?
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, caused either by an infection entering the brain, infectious, or through the immune system attacking the brain in error, post-infectious / autoimmune encephalitis.
What are the symptoms?
Encephalitis normally begins with headaches or flu-like symptoms, with more serious symptoms following hours to days later. Altering in consciousness levels is the most severe symptom, ranging from mild confusion and drowsiness to a complete loss of consciousness and a coma. Additional symptoms include: seizures, high temperature, dislike of bright light, sensory changes, an inability to speak or control movement, neck stiffness, or uncharacteristic behaviour.
What causes encephalitis?
- Infectious encephalitis – The most common cause for this strain of Encephalitis are viruses. Normally these viruses cause minor infections throughout the body, with only rare cases affecting the brain. The introduction of the MMR vaccine in Britain has significantly reduced the number of cases of encephalitis from these viruses, HSV or the cold sore virus is the most commonly identified cause.
- Post infectious / autoimmune encephalitis – Whilst viruses infecting the brain are a major cause of encephalitis, the reaction of the body itself can lead to the condition. This can occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain whilst trying to fight off the virus. Approximately 33% of Encephalitis cases are Post Infectious / Autoimmune. Often there can be a delay of two to three weeks between the triggering infection and development of the encephalitis.
Help and support
- The Encephalitis Society
The Encephalitis Society aims to improve the quality of life of all people affected directly and indirectly by encephalitis by supporting and adults and children affected by it. They produce evidence-based quality information, raise awareness about the condition, and conduct research into it. They also offer support by telephone, email, skype and group meetings, both regionally and nationally.
encephalitis.info
- The Big Directory of Services
If you are living with a brain injury caused by encephalitis, and looking for specialist services, The BIG Directory of Services provides a comprehensive A-Z listing of services and support for people with a brain injury, their families, and people who work with them. From family holiday, to home insurance, to adapted footwear and case managers, you can search by location, category or alphabetically and it is the only online directory to cover services across England and Wales, and is free to use.
