Synonyms: Von Economo encephalitis
A rare brain inflammatory disease characterized by acute or subacute encephalitis with involvement of the midbrain and basal ganglia occurring in children as well as adults. Initial symptoms are pharyngitis and fever followed by progressive lethargy sleep disturbances extrapyramidal symptoms (parkinsonism chorea dystonia) neuropsychiatric manifestations (obsessive-compulsive behavior mutism catatonia) and ocular features (oculogyric crises). Autoantibodies against human basal ganglia are often positive. Survivors may develop post-encephalitic syndromes most prominently parkinsonism.
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview. Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata. Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version April 2026
Newly diagnosed with
Encephalitis lethargica?
Our RARE Concierge Services Guides are available to assist you by providing information, resources and connections as you navigate your rare disease journey.
Advocacy Organizations
Encephalitis Society
Our vision A world without death and disability from encephalitis. Our mission Rebuilding futures around the world by saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research.
Genetic Epilepsy Team Australia
Collaboration of research and care
The Assistance Fund
The Assistance Fund (TAF) is an independent charitable patient assistance organization that helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
Don't see your organization here. Let us know here.
Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.