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Functional MRI sheds new light on AE September 9, 2018

New methods of studying the brain have been emerging in recent decades. One such method is the use of functional MRI, which is a way to measure how the brain works as opposed to regular MRI, which looks at structure. This week an exciting new research study was released by the Autoimmune Neurology Group in […]

British psychiatrists propose a change in practice August 25, 2018

Due to the nature of early symptoms in AE, studies have shown that patients often present first to psychiatrists or mental health facilities. Screening for the potential of autoimmune encephalitis may or may not be done, depending on awareness of the treating physicians and availability of testing. Drs. Pollack and Lennox of the UK have […]

A review on neuroimmune disorders in children August 15, 2018

The widely-read journal Nature Reviews, in its specialized Neurology publication recently featured an article with a summary of the current state of knowledge and research related to neuroimmune illnesses that occur in children, including autoimmune encephalitis. Over a dozen experts collaborated on this paper. A sample of interesting points, which also largely apply to adults […]

Study conducted on causes of symptoms in anti-NMDA AE August 10, 2018

Despite much study centered around the antibodies that cause autoimmune encephalitis, there are still many unanswered questions. One of them is exactly how the severe symptoms of this disease are produced. Physicians conducting research in Berlin, Germany and Jerusalem, Israel have together conducted an observational study of patients with anti-NMDA receptor AE as compared to […]

Texas Children’s Hospital sponsors “AE Family Day of Hope: Navigating Autoimmune Encephalitis” August 4, 2018

Texas Children’s Hospital’s “Annual Day of Hope” was well attended and a great success! Around 100 patients, family members, faculty and staff attended this event, lead by Eyal Muscal, MD, pediatric rheumatologist at TCH. Families mingled over lunch, children enjoyed creative activities and a talk was given by Dr. Muscal on the current status of […]

Herpes simplex virus further explored in AE August 4, 2018

Many autoimmune encephalitis survivors and family members long to know what caused the illness. Some causes are known, some are not. Among the known causes of anti-NMDA AE are ovarian teratomas and a few viruses, particularly the herpes simplex virus. Studies have shown some patients who develop herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) go on to develop […]

Paper released on diagnosis and treatment July 26, 2018

Two physicians from the Mayo Clinic have just published a paper for clinicians discussing the diagnostic testing available for the many autoimmune neurological illnesses including AE and its various forms. They also included treatment approaches used by their institution and many others. A few highlights include: These disorders often develop rather quickly and produce many […]

Fighter July 20, 2018

I am a survivor, sometimes I feel weak but after all I have been through, I know I am stronger than I think I am. When I feel pity for myself I remember that there are people who have gone through worse situations than me. When you cannot change or control the situation, you must […]

Importance of early treatment in anti-LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis July 13, 2018

We are thankful that studies are underway around the world on AE and its many subtypes to better understand the disease and develop new treatments. Recently an international group of physicians worked together to study 103 patients with antibodies to LGI1 and faciobrachial dystonic seizures, made up of those for whom the Oxford Autoimmune Neurology […]

Texas Children’s Hospital sponsors AE Family Day of Hope July 11, 2018

We are excited to announce Texas Children’s Hospital’s upcoming “AE Family Day of Hope” on July 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Children are welcome and activities will be provided! This day will be filled with educational information from physicians, nurses and neuropsychologists, therapists and child life staff. This day has been organized to bring together […]