Fifteen-minute consultation: autoimmune encephalitis

Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2015 Dec;100(6):282-7. doi: 10.1136/edpract-2014-307402. Epub 2015 May 19.

Abstract

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is increasingly diagnosed in children, and can result in severe long-term disability. We use a clinical case to illustrate the core clinical features, initial investigations and management of this potentially treatable condition, and describe the common presenting neurological syndromes alongside highlighting differences between each autoantibody subtype.

Keywords: Immunology; Neurodisability; Neurology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Encephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Neuroimaging
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous