In this episode of the One Voice for Neurology podcast, we explore the lasting and often invisible impact of neurological disorders on individuals, families, and carers.

We begin with a focus on encephalitis, featuring Dr Ava Easton from Encephalitis International. She discusses the causes, long-term effects, and the importance of the new WHO Technical Brief on encephalitis—developed in partnership with the organisation—and how that aligns with the goals of the WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, particularly around improving diagnosis, care pathways, and support systems.

We also hear from Subha, a young woman living with encephalitis, who shares a moving personal audio diary about her journey and the reality of adapting to a new normal.

Later in the episode, we turn to palliative care. Tracey, a carer for her husband Nick, reflects on their experience and how early palliative care helped them navigate uncertainty and improve the quality of life for them both.

To close, Professor Dr David Oliver from the OneNeurology Palliative Care Working Group explains how palliative care can be better integrated across neurological care—taking a holistic and multidisciplinary approach—and why it’s vital at all stages, not just at the end of life.

Together, these voices show the progress being made through better research, partnerships, and advocacy—and the ongoing need for greater awareness, education, and more person-centred support, all of which underline the profound and enduring impact of neurological disorders.