Disorders related to antineuronal antibodies: Autoimmune epilepsy

Autoimmune epilepsy is a subtype of autoimmune encephalitis characterized by an increased frequency of epileptic seizures. The clinical diagnosis of this condition is often challenging, particularly in the absence of overt inflammatory indicators. In this review, we present a comprehensive exploration of the existing literature encompassing the clinical features, laboratory findings, underlying pathophysiology, and available treatment modalities associated with this condition. AbstractAutoimmune epilepsy is characterized as a subtype of autoimmune encephalitis, where epileptic seizures serve as the primary or predominant manifestation of the disease. Among patients who are refractory to antiepileptic drug therapy, a part of them experience improved seizure control with immunotherapy. Some of these individuals have been found to possess autoantibodies that target the neuronal surface, intracellular, or extracellular antigens. In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a new classification of epilepsy syndromes that, for the first time, recognized “immune” as one of the etiologies of epilepsy. Since early and prompt diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune epilepsy may improve the prognosis, it is crucial to actively consider the utilization of reported diagnostic features and treatment with immunotherapy in the management of patients with r efractory epilepsy. We herein provide a review of the literature concerning the clinical features, laboratory fin...
Source: Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research