Warning over early signs of brain inflammation as experts call for national guidelines

The early detection of brain inflammation could be life-saving, experts have warned, following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl who died by suicide while suffering from an undiagnosed form of the condition. Mia Lucas developed severe psychosis and was sectioned, ultimately taking her own life in a specialist psychiatric unit, weeks after the onset of her symptoms.

In the wake of her death, Sheffield coroner Tanyka Rawden has urged for national guidelines to be established for the recognition and diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. Campaigners and medical specialists concur, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness of a condition often missed in various healthcare settings due to its diverse symptoms.

While the coroner's report was issued earlier this year, some of the world’s foremost experts on encephalitis were already developing crucial national guidelines for doctors. These are anticipated to be published in late 2026.

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Source: The Independent, 2 March 2026