Anti-NMDAR

AEA co-sponsors physician education events in Los Angeles, CA September 19, 2017

AEA was honored to co-host two educational events in June, featuring one of the world’s foremost experts on autoimmune encephalitis, Dr. Sean Pittock. The events, including a dinner presentation and Grand Rounds, where held on June 12 and 13, in Los Angeles, California, and were co-sponsored by AEA, the Keck School of Medicine of University […]

Long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in Autoimmune Encephalitis November 15, 2017

One of the first studies on long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in patients affected by AE will be presented by Anusha Yeshokumar, MD, during the upcoming Encephalitis Society meeting in London. This may be difficult news for some AE patients, however at times it is comforting to know that what one suffers is not unusual. The study found that […]

“Giving Tuesday” celebrated around the world on November 28 November 18, 2017

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the US), is a global giving movement in it’s sixth year. In response to  shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. We are always so touched at AEA by the generous spirit […]

Amobi Okoye, NFL Defensive Tackle, shares a remarkable story of surviving AE December 8, 2017

“I am a walking miracle.” These are the words of Amobi Okoye, who shared intimate details of his battle with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown this week. Drafted by the Texans at only 19 years old, he played 6 seasons for Houston, then 2 for Chicago. He was the picture of health, […]

Diagnosis of AE on clinical basis confirmed by pediatric study December 13, 2017

Experts in the field of AE came together in 2016 to establish a set of clinical diagnostic criteria to be used early in the course of disease (Graus et al). This was developed so that patients might be diagnosed with suspected AE and treated promptly, while still awaiting test results or in areas where antibody […]

Leah Ehle’s autoimmune encephalitis survival story December 19, 2017

My name is Leah Ehle. I am married and have two Pugs.  I live in Connecticut and work as a Nurse Practitioner in the field of gastroenterology.  I have worked in the medical field for over 10 years, first in oncology and then after my masters I went into gastroenterology. I have always prided myself […]

Music, memory, and neurorehabilitation December 27, 2017

For many AE patients and family members, time seems to stand still during the long hours spent in the hospital, infusion centers, traveling, or even at home while recovering. This might be eased by the simple pleasure of listening to music. While classical or jazz may be pleasant to one patient, it might not be for […]

AEA executive director speaks at University of Texas Medical Branch January 9, 2018

Autoimmune encephalitis was featured at a November 21, meeting of the Osler Club sponsored by the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s  (UTMB). Following a sit-down dinner, the 48 attendees, many of whom were physicians and physicians in training, filled the room to capacity for the program […]

AEA represented at UK-based Encephalitis Society Conference January 23, 2018

Researchers and clinical professionals interested in the study of encephalitis descended on London on Monday, December 4, for the UK-based Encephalitis Society annual conference . More than 120 people from the UK, USA, Denmark the Netherlands and Indonesia joined for a day of presentations and networking on topics surrounding encephalitis. The conference ended with the […]

FDA approves drug for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis – possible implications for autoimmune encephalitis? April 26, 2017

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 […]