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| Encephalitis Recovery |
Prior to discharge from the hospital there should be a re-view to
support the person in re-integrating back into the home environment
and their local community. In a few cases, return home will not be
possible at this stage and the facilities of a comprehensive residential
rehabilita-tion program may be required. In some cases, it may be
appropriate for the patient to be referred to a specialist for assessment
and care planning.
- Be prepared for a long period of convalescence. Initial recovery
may be rapid but usually falls short of complete. Further recovery
takes place more slowly over a period of months, possibly 18 to
24 months in the some cases. Recovery is aided by a structured
timetable of mental activity followed by rest; followed by physical
activity followed by rest. Initially rest periods should be long
and activity periods short.
- Many of the symptoms you have
been experienc-ing, are due to swelling in your brain. Once this
in-flammation settles down the problems caused by this begin to
resolve and you start to regain normal consciousness and movement.
You may remem-ber nothing of the illness. Be prepared for some
loss'. Talking to others with the same problems can help. "Encephalitis
Global" has a support group with people who are experiencing
the same diff-iculties. For people caring for a sick child, get
in touch with "National Childhood Encephalitis." There are links
on the "HELP" page.
- Advice for friends and
family People who have been ill with encephalitis need
time and space to come to terms with their illness and its residuals.
Hospital visits should be kept short, and visitors should not
overwhelm the affected person with information. Trying to recognize
more than one person at a time may be taxing. Visitors should
not bombard the person with questions and especially should not
ask the affected person to make guesses. People who have been
ill with encephalitis often suffer from memory problems. They
often become easily upset and have difficulty controlling their
emotions, friends and family need to be aware of this and avoid
causing undue stress.
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