ANSWER: Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain, which is a rare condition. It can be caused by infections (especially viruses) or autoimmune reactions, including antibody-mediated encephalitis.

Dear Abby advises a mother on how her secret about her child's father got out, and how the paternal grandmother is causing a rift in her family, and wants to know if keeping the secret was the right ...

An individual frustrated with being called by their formal name in online groups asks for advice on how to address the situation politely.

On my daughter’s 21st birthday, her paternal grandma called her and told her she had a birthday gift for her. This “birthday gift” was a paternity test.

A woman whose daughter has been introduced to her estranged paternal family seeks advice on handling her daughter’s anger and ...

I thought my secret (and right to privacy) had been respected, but I recently found out that someone told Penny about her ...

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 ...

I thought my secret (and right to privacy) had been respected, but I recently found out that someone told Penny about her ...

I am a 38-year-old woman with a 21-year-old daughter, “Penny.” I got pregnant at 16 and was very much alone, with little help from those around me.

(My daughter) is angry with me for not being honest about her history and angry that her grandmother choosing to acknowledge a relationship now.

My daughter is angry that her grandmother, who has known about her for many years, is choosing to acknowledge a relationship ...