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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Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Encephalitis - Inga's Story

I suffered from shingles in October 2025 for about 15 days before things got worse. The shingles were getting dry, some scars on my right costal arch. On November 6, in the afternoon, I was laying on the sofa in my flat. I was agitated, but I did not know why. There was no reason […]

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Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) - Alisa's story

It all started as a normal Thanksgiving Day, sitting around a bonfire with our family. The next day, everything changed. The day before her symptoms began, my daughter was completely fine – dancing, talking, and her usual happy self. Then, suddenly, she woke up crying with a severe headache that no medication could relieve. Soon […]

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Autoimmune unknown - Roger's story shared by his family

Roger’s family share their father’s story of heart surgery and encephalitis before he sadly passed away. Before everything changed Many of the males in Dad’s family died before retirement from heart conditions, and Dad fully expected the same. He had retired from a distinguished career in the Metropolitan Police, did other work after that, and […]

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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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Seizures and Encephalitis Webinar 2026

Seizures and Encephalitis Webinar is a virtual event for patients and caregivers. We would love you to join our fee webinar on Thursday 12th November 2026. This webinar is for patients and caregivers only. It aims to provide more information about seizures and encephalitis (infectious and autoimmune) in adults. Programme 15:00 – 15:45 Seizures […]

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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About Encephalitis

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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.

Your Stories

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Encephalitis - Inga's Story

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) - Alisa's story

Autoimmune unknown - Roger's story shared by his family