:: recovery

There is no set timetable for recovery. Initially just being in hospital with encephalitis will almost certainly have left you feeling traumatised. The experience is most likely to have left the family too feeling helpless and confused.

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You may feel that returning to the home situation will make everything “normal” again, however both you and your family may find there is a great deal of adjusting required to a new situation. Encephalitis causes an “acquired brain injury” and may effect the brain’s ability to function normally. The brain takes much longer to recover from an injury than other parts of the body such as muscles, bones or skin. This is because new nerve cells do not generate easily and renewed neural networks may not function in the same way. Unlike other parts of the body you cannot see your brain repairing and friends and family may assume all is back to normal when in fact you are still recovering.

A period of rest and quiet will aid your recovery, avoid information overload which could set back the process. Tiredness is normal, this is the brain’s way of shutting down to continue with repair. Good nutrition is important for brain repair. Nutrients that are especially important are antioxidants (found in fresh fruit and vegetables) and omega 3’s (found in fatty fish). See “Caring for your brain” http://www.encephalitis.info/Recovery/BuildBrain.html

Plan a gradual return to work / college, try to keep rest periods in your day, however short. Becoming overtired may slow down the repair process and can be the reason for apparent return of symptoms. If you have ongoing difficulties ask for an assessment by a neuropsychologist , further details at http://www.encephalitis.info/Recovery/NPA.html

Content and information courtesy of The Encephalitis Society