Tick-borne encephalitis - Complications of tick-borne encephalitis

It's estimated that more than one in every 10 people with tick-borne encephalitis will develop long-term or permanent complications as a result of the condition.

Problems that can occur include:

• memory problems
• personality and behavioural changes
• speech and language problems (aphasia)
• epilepsy – a condition that affects the brain and causes regular seizures (fits)
• changes in emotions, such as mood swings
• problems with attention, concentrating, planning and problem solving
• problems with movement
• low mood
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Individual care plans

If you do develop these problems, a number of different specialists may be involved in your care while you recover in hospital and when you return home. These may include:

• a neuropsychologist – a healthcare professional specialising in brain injury and rehabilitation
• an occupational therapist – who can identify problem areas in a person’s everyday life, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and help them devise practical solutions
• a physiotherapist – a therapist who uses physical methods, such as massage, manipulation and exercise
• a speech and language therapist – who uses specialist techniques to improve all aspects of communication

Before being discharged from hospital, your health and social care needs will be fully assessed and an individual care plan drawn up to meet those needs.

If you are the primary carer of someone who is recovering from TBE, such as their spouse or parent, you should be invited to discussions about the care plan, and your own circumstances and requirements should be taken into account.

You should also be given information about support services available in your local community.

The care and support section of the website provides useful information and advice about caring for someone. In particular, you may find the new to caring section useful.

Caring for someone with emotional and behavioural problems can be stressful, so it is important you do not neglect your own mental and physical wellbeing. See carer wellbeing for more information and advice.

Further help

The Encephalitis Society can provide you with appropriate sources of information and recommend the right professionals to help you in your situation. It can be contacted on 01653 699 599.