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| Encephalitis Recovery |
Prior to discharge from the hospital there should be a review 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 rehabilitation programme
may be required. In some cases, it may be appropriate for the patient to be referred to the specialist centre for assessment and care planning, even
if the implementation of the care plan will be followed up by local professionals.
- 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 experiencing, especially the life threatening ones, are due to inflammation (swelling) in your brain. Once
this inflammation settles down the problems caused by this begin to resolve and you start to regain normal consciousness and movement. You may
remember nothing of the illness. Be prepared for some loss of function. This is a “hidden” disability. Talking to others with the same problems
can help, and Encephalitis
Global can put you in touch with other people who are experiencing the same difficulties. For people caring for a sick child be sure to get
in touch with National Childhood Encephalitis Parents
- 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 consequences. Hospital visits should be kept short, and visitors should not overwhelm the affected person with information. Trying to recognise 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 and research has shown that if they are asked to make a guess and give the wrong answer they will remember that incorrect answer. 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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