What is autoimmune encephalitis?
What is autoimmune encephalitis?
Autoimmune encephalitis refers to a group of conditions that occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells , leading to inflammation of the brain. People with autoimmune encephalitis may have various neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms.
What is the most common presenting symptom in pediatric onset anti NMDA receptor encephalitis?
The most common presenting symptoms in teenagers and adults include anxiety, insomnia, delusions, mania and paranoia. Young children tend to present with behavior changes, temper tantrums, hyperactivity and irritability, instead of overt psychotic symptoms.
What are the signs of AE?
Cognitive Symptoms
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Irritability.
- Anxiety.
- Psychosis.
- Hallucinations.
- Memory loss.
- Other behavioral changes.
Whats the difference between autoimmune encephalitis and encephalitis?
Traditional encephalitis is caused by a virus or bacteria, the NLM says. But autoimmune encephalitis occurs when the body’s immune system unexpectedly creates antibodies to attack the brain, says Eric Lancaster, MD, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Penn Neuroscience Center.
How do you diagnose autoimmune encephalitis?
Tests may include:
- A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to withdraw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, the liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
- Blood tests to look for antibodies that may indicate autoimmune encephalitis.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans of your brain to identify signs of the disease.
How serious is autoimmune encephalitis?
Left untreated, autoimmune encephalitis can quickly become serious. It may lead to coma or permanent brain injury. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
How is autoimmune encephalitis treated?
Treatment of autoimmune encephalitides includes immunotherapy, either corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). When the condition is thought to be due to a cell-surface or synaptic protein antibody, IVIG, corticosteroids or plasmapheresis are initiated in various sequences and combinations.
What is the cause of autoimmune encephalitis?
In many cases, the cause of autoimmune encephalitis is unknown. But experts say it can be caused by: Exposure to certain bacteria and viruses, including streptococcus and herpes simplex virus. A type of tumor called a teratoma, generally in the ovaries, that causes the immune system to produce specific antibodies.
Is autoimmune encephalitis serious?
Autoimmune encephalitis has many subtypes that depends on the antibodies present. Left untreated, autoimmune encephalitis can quickly become serious. It may lead to coma or permanent brain injury. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
