My AE Journey

“No miracle, just our brain” by Jules Morgan October 26, 2016

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 […]

Incredible 1st person account of surviving AE November 22, 2016

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 […]

A dramatic recovery from autoimmune encephalitis and a birthday wish for her dad December 20, 2016

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 […]

Things siblings of children with special needs struggle with – from The Washington Post January 4, 2017

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. […]

Autoimmune Encephalitis: the Oldest Survivor? January 10, 2017

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 […]

Recovering anti-NMDAR patient shares advice via voice memo March 15, 2017

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 […]

Whittington family continues sharing autoimmune encephalitis story 6 years on March 23, 2017

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 […]