Autoimmune encephalitis
Autoimmune Encephalitis
Autoimmune encephalitis (pronunciation: au·to·im·mune en·ceph·a·li·tis) is a type of inflammation that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to changes in cognition, memory, and behavior.
Etymology
The term "autoimmune encephalitis" is derived from the Greek words "auto" meaning self, "immunos" meaning immune, "enkephalos" meaning brain, and "itis" meaning inflammation. Thus, it refers to a self-immune response causing inflammation in the brain.
Symptoms
Symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis can vary widely and may include memory loss, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and movement disorders. These symptoms can develop quickly over a few days or weeks, often causing hospitalization.
Causes
Autoimmune encephalitis is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the brain. This can occur as a result of a tumor or infection, or without any identifiable cause.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis involves a combination of clinical observation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Specific antibodies are often present in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with this condition.
Treatment
Treatment for autoimmune encephalitis typically involves immunotherapy, which aims to reduce the immune system's attack on the brain. This can include steroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with autoimmune encephalitis varies. Some individuals may recover fully with treatment, while others may have long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autoimmune encephalitis
- Wikipedia's article - Autoimmune encephalitis
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