AEA
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 […]
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 […]
Abstract Reprinted from Health and Human Services Author Manuscript – Over the last 10 years the continual discovery of novel forms of encephalitis associated with antibodies to cell-surface or synaptic proteins has changed the paradigms for diagnosing and treating disorders that were previously unknown or mischaracterized. We review here the process of discovery, the symptoms, […]
Smashing windows, self-harming, and shaving her own hair, Sarah Galloway had to be placed in mental hospital before doctors could determine her illness. ChronicleLive reports on a 22 year-old woman who fell ill with autoimmune encephalitis as she was about to enter her final year of university. Click here to read the full story. We wish Sarah […]
Medpage Today reports that the FDA has approved the biologic drug ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Ocrelizumab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody targeting B cells which is the same mechanism of action as rituximab (Rituxan), which some earlier studies found to be effective against both relapsing-remitting and progressive MS. Off-label use of rituximab […]
Roughly 70 researchers, nurses, neuropsychologists, neurologists, residents, fellows, patient advocates, patients, and families attended a “Dinner and Discussion on the Future of Autoimmune Neurology” on the evening of 4/27/17, held at the Richard Simches Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Organized by Dr. Jenny Linnoila, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, the overall theme […]
Duke Health recently posted an article by Carol Habers that follows the four-year journey to an autoimmmune encephalitis diagnosis of Lucas Quinones-Reed. “Reed, Quinones, and Lucas met with Dr. Heather Van Mater, MD, a pediatric rheumatologist and Dr. William Gallentine, DO, a pediatric neurologist. ‘They came in with a box full of medical records,’ said Van Mater. Immediately, she saw […]
The following was sent to us by Erin Wicke Dankert to honor her mother Rita. “My family has been very open with my Mom’s experience in hopes of helping others with this condition.” AEA is so appreciative of this personal sharing by all who loved Rita. In March, my family suffered the devastating loss of […]
The Journal of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry reports on autoimmune encephalitis patients treated with immune based therapy including rituximab. Authors Dowland F, Swayne A, Bhuta S, et. al. discuss three cases and conclude, “The field of neuro-immunology has seen a plethora of newly discovered autoantibodies, yet there remain a significant number of patients, with features suggestive […]