My AE Journey
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 […]
In her New York Times bestseller Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, journalist Susannah Cahalan describes dreadful psychological experiences associated with her eventual diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. Compared with other forms of autoimmune disease and other types of encephalitis, knowledge about this particular diagnostic entity seems to be unfamiliar to most physicians; the medical […]
Jamie David Smith has written a terrific article on the struggles of siblings of special needs children. Smith speaks to Rachel Feichter whose daughter, Talia, has autoimmune encephalitis. “Documentary filmmaker Rachel Feichter has a typically developing 11-year-old and a 7-year-old, Talia, who has special needs as a result of a neurological autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s encephalitis. […]
A special thanks to Emily for guest blogging for AEA. Here is her story. 2015 was shaping up to be a great year. I had moved to Charlotte, NC just over 2 years ago and bought my dream town-home in one of the most sought after neighborhoods. I found my groove here, and had a […]
At this time of Thanksgiving, we are grateful to Kimberly and all of you who write to us. Whether you are looking for information, support, a doctor, or writing with appreciation we at AEA are thankful for you. Your generous donations allow us to aid people like Kimberly. Please consider showing your support for all […]
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, allowing neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment. The following is from an article in The Lancet Neurology. Written by Jules Morgan, “No […]
“I was given the gift of survival, and the gift of having a voice to shed light on this little known disease.” From guest blogger, Caroline, who contacted AEA. We asked her to share her story. We hope her experience will spur on others in their own fight with AE. It’s safe to say 2015 was not […]
The movie adaptation of Susannah Cahalan’s New York Times best-selling book, Brain of Fire, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 16. The red-carpet event included pre- and post-movie talks by Charlize Theron, who produced the movie, director Gerard Barrett, Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays Susannah, Dr. Najjar, who diagnosed the disease, and Susannah’s husband, Stephen […]
It has been almost 2 years since Eman was diagnosed with AE. She spent 51 days in a coma. Now at age 21, she has recovered and is attending college. She shares her story below. Before my 18th birthday I was spending the holidays in Spain. We were on the island of Mallorca. Towards the end of […]
“On December 21, 2015, Nina had a 45 minute seizure.” That’s how Nina’s story starts. It is an all too familiar one for many parents. The good news is that rapid diagnosis and treatment allowed Nina to come home after nearly 3 months in the hospital. She was able to graduate from kindergarten this spring. To […]