ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores what encephalitis is and how people experience the consequences of the condition. It describes why people's stories of their experiences have been important throughout history and how they change over time. The book also describes survivor and family member experiences of encephalitis along with professional reflections on them. It discusses the impact of people's stories on those who engage with them. The book also discusses how professionals engage with patient narratives and how they might be used to improve practice and the patient experience. It argues that it is important to witness people's narratives and stories, to understand their reasons for reading and writing them, and the impact they have for those who use them. Narratives might, at certain times and in certain contexts, offer a means of support and comfort.
