Encephalitis International

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

For 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.

77% of people have never heard of encephalitis.

We are determined to change this with your support. Our ambition is to see F.L.A.M.E.S. displayed in schools, hospitals, GP clinics, and community spaces, helping ensure that fewer families experience the shock, delay, and devastation that encephalitis so often brings. Every 20 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with encephalitis. The speed of that diagnosis can save — or change — their life.

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