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!

Click here to download F.L.A.M.E.S resources

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).

Find Out More About Encephalitis Recovery From Encephalitis

Types Of Encephalitis

Three people every minute are diagnosed with encephalitis.

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

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Tick-borne encephalitis - Bill's story

Alarming symptoms hit me over a couple of days, a horror show of unbearable headache, fatigue, vision difficulties and loss of balance that put me in hospital where I had multiple intravenous drug infusions, blood tests, scans and a cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) sampling. I somehow failed to absorb the messages about potential outcomes and relaxed in the feeling the hospital staff were doing everything possible to sort me out. I credit this ignorance and confidence with why I didn't express the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is not unusual after TBE hospitalisation. That's not to deny this is an emotional journey and I went to some dark places under my own steam. I cried a lot in hospital, sometimes in fear, sometimes in pain and also in gratitude for the efforts of staff and messages from family and friends. Fortunately, the alarming nightmares of being stalked by a giant melanistic boa constrictor in a variety of scenarios have faded. Nevertheless, with a lot of my time spent at home alone, it still gets a bit dusty particularly reading other experiences of TBE or thinking about friends facing difficult health challenges.

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Enterovirus Encephalitis - Erin's Story

I had a seizure while in the coma which made things worse. My mum recalls the doctors saying I was "extremely unwell" which she knew from watching medic shows on TV was code for "it's not looking good". When I woke up from my coma I recall saying "where's my husband, I want my husband". No-one else was that important at that moment. I was incredibly distressed and confused. I couldn't move. Couldn't sit up or even roll over in bed. When my husband came and visited me he handed me phone which I immediately dropped and was convinced he'd filled my phone case with bricks.

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Rhombencephalitis - Elis' Story

Eventually, doctors agreed further tests were needed. He underwent an MRI scan, a lumbar puncture, and numerous other investigations. On February 23rd, we finally received the diagnosis: Rhombencephalitis - inflammation of the brain. By that point, our son was critically unwell. He slept almost continuously for three days and had lost both speech and mobility. We were faced with enormous uncertainty and fear, not knowing what the outcome would be.

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My Brain & Medicine 2026

My Brain & Medicine 2026 – Registration is now open FREE virtual (online) event Join us online for a patient event and listen to professionals and lived experience speakers. The presentations are aimed at patients, caregivers and family members with an interest with encephalitis. Starting on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 1:00PM BST, this event will […]

27 April 2026

Online

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Family Resilience Day

Family Resilience Event 28-30 May 2026 Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, UK This is an in-person only event aimed at children (up to 16-year-old) and their families who experienced encephalitis and its aftereffects. It is an opportunity for both children and parents to connect with each other and share experiences in a safe environment. Schedule […]

28 - 30 May 2026

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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My Brain & Medicine Birmingham, England 2026

My Brain & Medicine (MB&M) is an in-person event only. We would love you to join us in Birmingham, England on Friday 9 October 2026. This event is for anyone who wants to listen to the experiences of people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis and learn more about the after-effects. There […]

9 October 2026

The Old Library, Zellig, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AT

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

What is encephalitis?

Types Of Encephalitis

Infectious Encephalitis

Auto-immune Encephalitis

Vaccine-preventable encephalitis

Three people every minute are diagnosed with encephalitis.