Autoimmune Encephalitis
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 […]
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 […]
Many thanks to Will Earnhart for sharing his inspiring story reprinted below, which first appeared in the September 2017 Alaska Bar Association quarterly newspaper. As attorneys, many of us have type “A” personalities; always striving to be successful in our careers. We never take a step back for fear of stopping the momentum. Almost all […]
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance is delighted to announce the hiring of Elisabeth Wharton as Interim Executive Director where she will focus on the creation and implementation of policies and procedures essential to the next steps we hope to take as an organization. “The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance already has a foundation of relationships with key entities […]
Dr. Robin van Steenhoven (Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) was awarded a 2023 AEA Community Seed Grant for the investigation of Seronegative autoimmune encephalitis: exploration of clinical and neuropathological characteristics. Learn more about his research and how it will impact those affected with autoimmune encephalitis. The start date for the award is September […]
Many thanks to Dr. Amanda Piquet, Board of Directors & Medical Advisory Board Member, Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance for speaking at our November 2024 AEA Provider Monthly Education Series and presenting CAR T Therapy for Autoimmune Disease. We discussed the background of the CAR T therapy and its more recent use in autoimmune disease. We also discussed current examples […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rory Halbert was recognized at a University of Indianapolis women’s soccer game recently as part of TeamIMPACT, a program which allows children with serious illnesses to become an honorary member of a college team. Rory was recognized at halftime, as she is graduating from the program. The team wore green to show support for Rory’s […]
NO LONGER ENROLLING If you are diagnosed with LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis (LGI1) or are the caregiver of someone with LGI1, you may qualify to participate in this study conducted by Fulcrum Research Group. The goal of the study is to better understand the patient experience with LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis for the purpose of supporting potential […]