Blog

Two U.S. non-profits join forces to combat autoimmune encephalitis. “The AE Alliance is proud of the long-standing relationship with the Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy SREAT Alliance. We are grateful beyond words for HESA’s generosity. This collaboration allows both groups to look anew at imaginative ways to raise awareness on all autoimmune encephalitis fronts, fight this disease, and […]

The Journal of the American Medical Association Nuerology reports the following by authors Volker Behrendt, MD1; Christos Krogias, MD1; Anke Reinacher-Schick, MD2; Ralf Gold, MD1; and Ingo Kleiter, MD1: Anti-NMDAR  autoimmune encephalitis, associated with ovarian teratoma, predominantly affects young females.1 Because antibodies against subunits of the NMDAR contribute to the pathogenesis, methods targeting humoral immunity are therapeutically efficacious.2 However, some patients have an unsatisfactory outcome after high-dose corticosteroids, apheresis […]

Ellen Whittington was 12 years-old when she was first diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis in 2012. At that time, she couldn’t talk or feed herself. Now, 17 year-old Ellen is a high school student and doing much better. Her family was interviewed by local NBC affiliate WRAL, as an update to their original story. Ellen and her family were […]

March 22, of each year is Brain Injury Awareness Day. This year’s theme is “Not Alone.” While autoimmune encephalitis is not what most people consider a “brain injury,” the damage done by the disease can be similar. “I have been told by several world-class physicians who focus on AE, that recovery, and in particular the […]

Shawn Kregan contacted the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance in August of 2016, and we have been connecting regularly ever since. He has put together a voice memo to aid and inspire those who struggle with AE.  Shawn wants everyone to know that sharing experiences gives others confidence and strength, so don’t be afraid to tell people […]

It is often difficult to clinically diagnosis autoimmune encephalitis because patients’ symptoms can be so widely varied. In the Sept. 2016, issue of The Lancet Neurology, Francesc Graus and colleagues proposed an initial diagnostic work-up relying on conventional neurological evaluation and standard diagnostic tests such as MRI, CSF sampling, and EEG. This approach would enable clinicians to make […]

You don’t have to be a runner or walker to support those affected by autoimmune encephalitis on March 4, 2017, but if you are, come share your spirit, laughter, and competitive spirit with 1600 soon-to-be friends at Florence Forth. There is also a wonderful Family Lunch for patients and their immediate families at noon (doors […]

World Encephalitis Day (“WED”) is celebrated every February 22 – just remember 222.  While we at the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance focus on autoimmune encephalitis, we are so happy to join in supporting all of those affecting by any form of encephalitis. To show your support for those with encephalitis of all types, wear the color red […]

One of the one of the largest university hospitals in Europe, Charite’, recorded significant progress in treating anti-NMDAR, including in patients who did not previously respond to treatment. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a rare autoimmune disease that results in the body producing antibodies against […]

Did you know that our largest fundraiser is coming up on March 4, 2017, in Durham NC? That’s right, it is time for the 5th annual Florence Forth run/walk, and Family Lunch.  Individuals and teams are welcome. The events in 2016 attracted almost 1500 runners/walkers, 300 volunteers, and 150 family members of those affected by […]