The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Autoimmune Encephalitis

An acute brain inflammation in which psychiatric and neurological features overlap, caused by antibodies the immune system produces against brain tissue.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Autoimmune Encephalitis?

Autoimmune encephalitis is an inflammatory brain disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against specific receptors or proteins on brain cells. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is the most common form and is seen especially in young women.

The illness can begin with psychiatric features (delusions, hallucinations, agitation) followed by seizures, movement disorders and altered consciousness. For this reason it can initially be confused with a primary psychiatric disorder.

An ovarian teratoma frequently accompanies anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; tumour screening and early immunotherapy are crucial for recovery.

Symptoms

Onset with psychiatric features (hallucinations, agitation)
Memory loss and confusion
Epileptic seizures
Involuntary orofacial movements (orolingual dyskinesia)
Autonomic instability (fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure)
Altered consciousness with the need for intensive care

Risk Factors

Young female sex (for NMDA encephalitis)
Ovarian teratoma
Lung, testicular tumours or thymoma
Recent viral encephalitis (especially Herpes)
A history of autoimmune disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a young person rapidly develops both psychiatric features and seizures
  • Altered consciousness combined with involuntary movements
  • Treatment-resistant psychosis or catatonic features
  • When CSF or blood antibodies are positive

Treatment Methods

01
First line: corticosteroids, IVIG, plasma exchange
02
Second line: rituximab or cyclophosphamide
03
Removal of an associated tumour (surgery for ovarian teratoma)
04
Antiepileptic therapy for seizure control
05
Long-term neurological rehabilitation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Nöroloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Headache and Migraine

Nöroloji

What you need to know about headache types, migraine attacks, and triggering factors.

Low Back Pain

Nöroloji

Learn about the most common causes of low back pain, risk factors, and appropriate treatment approaches.

Neck Pain and Cervical Disc Herniation

Nöroloji

Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for cervical disc herniation and problems in the neck region.

Epilepsy

Nöroloji

Accurate information about epilepsy, types of seizures, and recommendations for patients and families.

Parkinson Disease

Nöroloji

Parkinson disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and alpha-synuclein accumulation; well-timed therapy substantially improves function and quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Nöroloji

Information about early signs, diagnosis, and the care process for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Nöroloji

What is multiple sclerosis, who is at risk, and which treatments are applied?

Stroke

Nöroloji

What is stroke, what are the FAST signs, and why is emergency intervention critical?

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.