Some people will make a good recovery after having encephalitis, particularly if they received a prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, in some cases, a person will develop one or more long-term complications due to the underlying injury to the brain.
The most common complications that occur following encephalitis are:
- memory problems, which affect 70% of people who have complications
- personality and behavioural changes, which occur in just under half of all people
- aphasia – speech and language problems, which occur in around 1 in 3 people
- epilepsy, which occurs in 1 in 4 affected adults and 1 in 2 affected children
- changes in emotions, such as anxiety and anger; mood swings are also common
- problems with attention, concentrating, planning and problem solving
- physical and motor difficulties
- low mood and a sense of feeling different
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Individual care plans
Due to the complications described above, if you are recovering from encephalitis you may need specialised services, including:
- a neuropsychologist – a healthcare professional who specialises in brain injury and cognitive rehabilitation
- an occupational therapist – they can identify problem areas in a person’s everyday life, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and help them to work out practical solutions
- a physiotherapist – a therapist who uses physical methods, such as massage, manipulation and exercise, to promote health and wellbeing
- a speech and language therapist – they use specialist techniques to improve all aspects of communication
Before being discharged from hospital, your health and social care needs will be fully assessed. An individual care plan that is designed to meet those needs will be drawn up for you.
If you are the primary carer of someone who is recovering from encephalitis, such as their spouse or parent, you should be invited to take part in discussions about the care plan, and your own circumstances and requirements should be taken into account. You should also be given information about the support services that are available in your local community.
The Carers Direct section of the website provides lots of useful information and advice about caring for someone. In particular, you may find the new to caring section useful.
Caring for someone with emotional and behavioural problems can be stressful, so it is important that you do not neglect your own mental and physical wellbeing. See Carers Direct - your own wellbeing for more information and advice.
Seeking further help
Seek additional help if you are experiencing problems after having encephalitis. Many healthcare professionals are unaware of the problems following encephalitis, and it can sometimes be a struggle to find the right help for you.
If you are having problems finding the help that you need, you can contact the Encephalitis Society on 01653 699 599. They can provide you with appropriate sources of information and recommend the right professionals to help you in your situation.
