With improvements in drug therapy and intensive care treatments many more people are surviving encephalitis, the long term effects of which are, as yet, poorly understood but can include muscle weakness, epilepsy and speech disorders, difficulties with memory, learning, concentration and understanding.

It will be necessary before discharge from hospital services to ascertain whether the person is likely to be able to return to their previous life and whether any additional support is required. In many cases, where damage at first sight may not appear to be significant, it may simply be assumed that return to normal life will not be problematic. However some cognitive deficits are subtle and may not initially be evident; or their effect on functioning within the home and work place may be underestimated.