Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance

Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance co-sponsors pediatric AE treatment consensus meeting December 5, 2016

The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, along with Children’s National Health System, and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, co-sponsored the first International Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis Treatment Consensus Meeting at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC, on November 14. “The AE Alliance was honored to help bring many of the world’s leading experts […]

Your gift is worth double thanks to match by Bob and Suzi Given December 28, 2016

Suzi and Bob Given have contributed $25,000 to establish a matching campaign for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. This means donations we receive will be matched 1:1 up to $25K, by the Given’s gift. Bob is recovering from autoimmune encephalitis and states, “I directly benefited from the work being done by AEA, as have so many others. This donation […]

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 […]

Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance and Option Care co-sponsoring Mayo Clinic Trial on IVIg January 16, 2017

The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance and Option Care Enterprises, Inc. are co-sponsoring a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic to evaluate intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in patients with autoimmune epilepsy who fail to benefit from standard epilepsy medications. This study, the first of its kind, builds on Mayo Clinic research advances identifying new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment […]

Largest fundraiser for AEA, “Florence Forth,” coming up on March 4 January 24, 2017

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 […]

New treatment for anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis reports Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin February 2, 2017

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 […]

World Encephalitis Day 2/22 February 20, 2017

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 […]

New paper on antibodies and autoimmune encephalitis September 19, 2016

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, […]

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 […]