What should you know about limbic encephalitis?

Journal article

Autoimmune encephalitis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by a subacute impairment of short-term memory, psychiatric features and seizures. It is often associated with a variety of other neurological symptoms, and its differential diagnosis is wide, leading to challenges in its recognition. It used to be regarded as a rare disease, usually paraneoplastic and with poor prognosis. However, with the recent recognition of membrane-surface directed antibodies, it is now known that in a substantial proportion of cases there is no association with any malignancy and there is a good prognosis if treated. Hence, early recognition and prompt initiation of immunotherapies are of great importance.

Authors: Machado, S; Pinto, A; Irani, SR

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria
• Volume: 70
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 817-822
• Publication date: 2012-10-01
• DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2012001000012
• EISSN: 1678-4227
• ISSN: 0004-282X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Limbic Encephalitis; Immunotherapy; Humans; Diagnosis, Differential; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Prognosis