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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kathleen Speirs

Scots dad who 'forgot wife's name' diagnosed with deadly brain disease

A Scots dad 'nearly died' from a brain condition after forgetting his wife's name earlier that day.

Pete Crane didn't think much of his 'flu-like symptoms' while he was at work on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

The 60-year-old from Nethy Bridge, Highland, was a little puzzled when he couldn't remember a colleague's name, but shrugged it off and went home to bed.

Pete's memory worsened in the days that followed, as he began to struggle to recall details related to places and friends.

Pete Crane forgot his wife Lorna's name before being diagnosed with a deadly brain condition (HANDOUT)

But it was forgetting his wife Lorna's name that Sunday, that led him to book an appointment with the GP.

Pete, who is head of visitor services for Cairngorms National Park, was quickly rushed to Inverness' Raigmore Hospital.

Following an MRI scan and lumbar puncture, the dad-of-two was diagnosed with viral encephalitis - a potentially fatal condition where the brain becomes swollen.

While Pete 'nearly died' and still suffers from slight brain damage, his condition was thankfully caught and treated early.

Five years on the superfit Highlander urges Scots to be vigilant if a loved one 'loses their way' or 'starts acting differently' as it could 'save their life'.

He told the Record: "I have never had any health problems before this. I always worked outdoors and enjoy cycling and hillwalking.

"Encephalitis can start to appear as mild flu symptoms, like in my case which is quite worrying.

"Had it not been for my wife Lorna, 54, noticing that something wasn't right in my behaviour and forgetfulness, I don't know that I'd be here today."

Keen cyclist Pete Crane with his wife Lorna (HANDOUT)

Encephalitis' initial flu-like symptoms can progress to confusion or disorientation, seizures or fits, changes in personality and behaviour, difficulty speaking, weakness or loss of conscious.

Viral infections, immune system issues and bacterial infections are cited as some of the causes but it can also 'come out of the blue' as with 'fit and healthy' Pete.

For three weeks he stayed at Raigmore, hooked up to three pints of anti-viral drip per day.

"I really struggled remembering things while in hospital but my family and friends were amazing,"he added.

"Every day visitors would help me note down names, places and things to jog my memory."

Brain training and a positive attitude worked as Pete was sent home and one week later, was back out cycling with Lorna.

After six months of struggling to feel 'normal again' Pete felt he'd turned a corner following his near death experience as his memory improved.

That October the fighter appeared on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Countryfile, educating the nation on his beloved Cairngorms and counts his lucky stars.

Pete and Lorna Crane appearing on BBC's Countryfile at the Snow Roads Scenic Route in the Cairngorms six months after his diagnosis (HANDOUT)

"I could have died had this not been caught and treated when it was," he said.

"Plus the family support has been brilliant, I was like a different person to my loved ones but slowly I've come back.

"I still forget the odd thing, I think I'll be 'recovering' for a long time.

"But I want to speak about what happened to make other people aware of the warning signs.

"Encephalitis can happen to anyone."

February is Encephalitis Awareness Month and February 22 is World Encephalitis Day.

The Encephalitis Society provides support to those affected by the condition. For information on the work they do or to support the organisation visit their webiste or call 01653 699599.

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