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Meningitis and Encephalitis
A guide for patients and carers
Getting back to normal
• A recovery period (convalescence) of two to four weeks is usually a good idea even in mild cases of encephalitis or viral meningitis where there have been no complications.
• Exercise should be gradually increased to regain usual levels of stamina. Walking and swimming are good forms of exercise for improving physical stamina.
• Reading simple short stories can help the memory, improve concentration and aid relaxation.
• It is not necessary to follow a special diet, but the appetite and the senses of smell and taste may be affected in early convalescence, so stronger-flavoured foods may enjoyed more. The appetite and smell and taste will gradually return to normal over a few weeks.
• Exercise should be gradually increased to regain usual levels of stamina. Walking and swimming are good forms of exercise for improving physical stamina.
• Reading simple short stories can help the memory, improve concentration and aid relaxation.
• It is not necessary to follow a special diet, but the appetite and the senses of smell and taste may be affected in early convalescence, so stronger-flavoured foods may enjoyed more. The appetite and smell and taste will gradually return to normal over a few weeks.
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Contents
- Introduction
- What is meningitis?
- What is encephalitis?
- What are the symptoms?
- Tests used to diagnose meningitis and encaphilitis
- Other problems that can be confused with meningitis and encaphilitis
- Treatment of meningitis
- Treatment of encaphalitis
- How well do people respond to treatment?
- Other help available to patients and carers
- Getting back to normal
- Things to be avoided
- Some do's and don'ts
- Summary
- Other Organisations that may be able to help
