THE parents of a little girl struck down by a devastating brain condition are speaking out to warn others.

Louise and Liam Briers, from Weymouth, want to help educate other parents about encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, ahead of World Encephalitis Day on Wednesday, February 22.

It was initially thought that their daughter, Olivia, was suffering from a virus when she became ill in December, But as her condition continued to worsen, the worried parents took her to A&E at DCH where she was kept in overnight.

Louise said: “The following morning, doctors came and said that the blood tests came back clear and that I should take Olivia home. They thought it was a case of the flu and she would be better off at home in her own surroundings.

“Reluctantly, I took her home but within an hour or so, Olivia deteriorated. Her eyes were rolling and she was dripping with sweat, so we took her back to the ward.

“The doctors examined Olivia again and decided to monitor through the night. That same evening, Olivia was having hallucinations and became extremely confused, not even knowing who I was at times. It was a very frightening time but, thankfully, the doctors were and the hospital were amazing with the treatment of Olivia and with their support of Liam and myself.”

The following morning, a new consultant examined Olivia and said that he suspected encephalitis, immediately starting a course of intravenous antibiotics.

“Olivia was discharged on Christmas Eve but with open access to the ward,” said Louise. “She has been left with sleeping problems and irritability, and she seems to be unable to control her emotions.

“She goes into rages and screaming episodes that she can't control and also has some balance problems.”

Louise added: “I just want to make other parents aware of encephalitis, so that hopefully it is there in the back of their own mind if their own child falls ill. Early diagnosis and treatment of encephalitis can save lives and limit the damage it has on individuals.”

Around 500,000 people are affected by encephalitis globally each year – regardless of their age, gender, ethnic origin or culture.

Those that survive can face an uncertain future as the condition can leave them with an acquired brain injury - meaning a return to work or education can be difficult.

Abilities such as memory, concentration, attention, thinking, memory, judgement and inhibition can be affected, while there can be additional challenges such as epilepsy or fatigue.

Led by The Encephalitis Society, the fourth annual World Encephalitis Day is asking people to wear something red to raise awareness of the condition and share their pictures on social media with the hashtag, #RED4WED.

Several landmarks across the globe are also “going red,” on February 22, including Niagara Falls; the fountains at Trafalgar Square; Blackpool Tower; the Swan Bell Tower in Perth, Australia; The Convention Centre Dublin; The Peace Bridge, which links the U.S.A with Canada, and many more.

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “Imagine waking up one day a completely different person - this is essentially what it can be like for some survivors of encephalitis.

“The acquired brain injury brought about by encephalitis is very much a ‘hidden disability.’ A person you know may look exactly the same, but inside it can be a different matter. And it is not just the survivor who is affected, encephalitis and its consequences also has an impact on their families, friends, work colleagues or even school friends.

“Encephalitis has a widespread and long-lasting impact which is why our aim is to make as many people as possible aware of the condition and the devastation it can leave in its wake.”

For more information, visit www.worldencephalitisday.org