Encephalitis International

Think Brain in F.L.A.M.E.S. Think Encephalitis

On World Encephalitis Day (WED) 2026, Encephalitis International launched what will be a lifesaving acronym: F.L.A.M.E.S. which reflects the urgent neurological signs that the general public and non-specialist acute medics should be aware of to help recognise encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) earlier.

F.L.A.M.E.S. stands for Flu-like Symptoms, Loss of Consciousness, Acute Headache, Memory Problems, Emotional/Behavioural Changes, Seizures. These are the symptoms most commonly found in both infectious and autoimmune causes of encephalitis.

We need your help today: download your F.L.A.M.E.S. resources and share these far and wide! 

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis).

Brain and light bulb illustration

Three people every minute are diagnosed with encephalitis.

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Our mission is to rebuild futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research.

Your Stories

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Autoimmune / Rasmussen's Encephalitis - Salomé's Story - Spanish and English

Mi nombre es Zulay y soy la mamá de Salomé. Mi hija tiene 10 años y fue diagnosticada con encefalitis de Rasmussen este año, en 2026. Diagnóstico y primeros síntomas Somos de Arauca, Colombia, y Salomé ha crecido allí. Todo comenzó en diciembre de 2024, cuando, como de costumbre, viajé a Pamplona, Colombia, para pasar […]

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Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis - Les' Story

Most of what I am writing is from the accounts of other people and assumptions. Before I became unwell In January 2019, my sister-in-law was visiting and staying for dinner. I can’t remember the dinner but at some stage, according to her, I said that I wasn’t feeling well. The next day I went to […]

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Acute Haemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE) - Ibrahim's Story

Ibrahim’s Story: Raising Awareness of Acute Haemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE) told by his family Reader warning – Ibrahim passed away within six weeks of first becoming unwell. If you wish to speak to someone after reading this story please contact our helpline. About Ibrahim Ibrahim is a young father, son, brother and provider whose life changed […]

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Upcoming Events

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Seizures and Encephalitis Webinar 2026

With Many Thanks to GSK for funding that enabled the running of this webinar, part of the larger project on Life after Encephalitis! Seizures and Encephalitis Webinar is a virtual event for patients and caregivers worldwide. We would love you to join our fee webinar on Thursday 12th November 2026. This webinar is for patients […]

12 November 2026
Virtual
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Encephalitis 2026 - Registration

7th and 8th December 2026 Royal College of Physicians (RCP), London and virtually (Please note the attendance is both in-person and virtual. Those who register will be able to watch the Conference sessions on demand for 60 days after the event) Registrations are now open! (in-person and virtual tickets are available) Book your tickets here   […]

7 - 8 December 2026
Hybrid
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