Woman who forgot entire family after brain disease diagnosis explains surprising upside
A UK woman who became so ill she couldn't walk up the stairs woke up to realise she didn't remember her family's faces or names.
Georgina Ann fell ill in August 2024, feeling lightheaded and losing her appetite, before struggling to stand or walk up the stairs.
An ambulance was quickly called as her situation deteriorated, and the 28-year-old suffered a seizure while on her way to hospital, where doctors would later diagnose her with a serious brain disease.
The office manager was informed that she had encephalitis, a serious condition that causes the brain to swell, and she stayed in hospital for the next three weeks to recover.
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However, when her family and friends came to visit she claimed that she had lost much of her memory as she struggled to recognise people even after they introduced themselves.
Georgina, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, said: "The first couple of weeks I had no idea who anyone was.
"When I first came out of hospital, I wouldn't have even remembered where the bedroom was or where the bathroom was.
"It's like starting life from scratch, but in a very bizarre way because it's hard to do it in your hometown when they know you but you don't know them."
However, she claims that there are 'slight positives' to her memory loss, which include being able to watch films again for what feels like the first time.
She added: "The Grinch was always my favourite film when I was a little girl. Before my mother passed away, she bought me the pyjamas so I could enjoy it so being able to watch that, as if I was a little girl, was magical.
"It brought back a lot of memories from being young, it's literally like being a seven-year-old girl again - it's quite a nice thing.
"Harry Potter wasn't my cup of tea before this, I hated it, yet being able to start from scratch has been amazing.
"I watched the first movie and I've seen it from a completely different perspective - it's made me really re-value every aspect of life.
"I've been able to watch those films back like it was the first time."
Sadly that's just a small solace for Georgina, who has been left unable to work or complete basic tasks after suffering from the rare brain condition, which has left her feeling helpless at times.
A situation where she 'almost burnt the house down' after ordering takeaway for her and her partner, despite having put food in the oven 30 minutes earlier, summed up what she now has to live with on a daily basis.
Georgina said: "I've not even reached 30 and I can't work. Some days I wake up and I can't walk, I feel like I need a wheelchair.
"I had such an amazing upbringing and such an amazing life but now it's like I've hit rock bottom.
"When you get told that you can't drive and you can't remember your name it's not nice, it's like I've been robbed of opportunities in life in a way."
She is now seeking to raise awareness of the symptoms of encephalitis, and urges anyone who finds themselves in her situation to call 999 immediately.
Topics: UK News
James Moorhouse