"I thought it was just a headache": Essex man on World Encephalitis Day
The virus causes a swelling of the brain
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
A charity is raising awareness of Encephalitis, a condition which causes the brain to swell, and can leave sufferers with permanent brain injuries, by launching World Encephalitis Day today (22nd February).
The Encephalitis Society says more than 500,000 people suffer with the virus each year, but 77% of people don't know what it is, despite the condition being more common than motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and bacterial meningitis in many countries.
Sufferers may have to deal with memory problems, fatigue and seizures – all of which can affect their daily lives.
Tony Weaver, from Chelmsford, was diagnosed with the virus in 2017: "I started getting a small ache on my cheek. I didn't pay any attention to it because, even though I was 59 at the time, I was very fit, going running and working out a lot.
"I felt very fit and healthy and so I thought it would just pass... but it got progressively worse."
After having a seizure, Tony was hospitalised for four weeks, which he doesn't remember. He was only diagnosed with Encephalitis after a week in hospital, when a neurologist visited the ward.
He suffered three further seizures after leaving hospital, which caused doctors to re-assess his medication, which he still takes, and since has had no more seizures: "I have not had a seizure now for three years. I'm now driving again. and life is pretty normal, except for the fact I don't drink anymore!"
Tony says it was not a quick recovery, however: "It was a long road to recovery, when I left hospital, I was told the headache would last four to six weeks but it was almost two years before the headache was bearable.
"Even now, if I get tired or stressed, I can still feel the headache where it used to be... but life is pretty normal, I can't complain."
He's speaking out about his experience in the hopes of raising awareness of the lesser known condition to help others: "It's so important to speak out because I was always a fit and healthy man, I hadn't taken time off work in about 22 years, and I got the headache and I thought it was just a headache which would go, but this one didn't go.
"My advice to anyone is, if the headache is there for 3-4 days and there's no improvement and then go and see a doctor."