New Delhi: Our immune system protects our body, its role is to detect germs that could make you ill and attacks them with antibodies. But have you heard about your immune system attacking the brain? According to studies, there is a condition called autoimmune encephalitis (AE), in which the immune system of the body may attack the brain.
On World Brain Day, Dr Geeta Chopra, Head of Laboratory and Pathologist, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, Delhi shared with News9 and explained how it happens, “Autoimmune encephalitis can occur when the immune system attacks the brain and causes inflammation. In addition to psychological symptoms like aggression and psychosis, this may result in neurological issues like seizures, memory loss and problems with speech. Antibodies that target proteins such as NMDA, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPA, GABA A, GABA B, and DPPx, are involved in the condition. Each kind of antibody is linked to particular symptoms and, occasionally malignancies.”
Key Antibodies and Symptoms
NMDA Antibodies: Common in young women, causing behavioural changes and movement disorders. Initial flu-like symptoms often appear first.
AMPA Antibodies: Found in older women, leading to memory loss, confusion, aggression, and hallucinations.
GABA-B Antibodies: Linked to seizures, and memory issues, patients may additionally develop psychosis and sleep disorders.
LGI1 and CASPR2 Antibodies: Associated with seizures, confusion, and memory problems and can lead to conditions like neuromyotonia and Morvan’s syndrome.
DPPx Antibodies: Cause restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, muscle spasms, and tremors.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis procedures include clinical assessments, MRIs, EEGs, CSF examination and antibody testing. Treatments include immunotherapy (including intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis) and, if applicable, tumour resection. Timely diagnosis and management are necessary to prevent serious outcomes.
Importance of early detection and patient education
According to Dr Chopra, “Effective therapy for autoimmune encephalitis depends on an early diagnosis. However, the variety and often rapid growth of symptoms might lead to a delay in diagnosis. Patients need to be educated about the disease’s progression and any potential links to cancer. It is recommended to make routine appointments for follow-up with neurologists or oncologists to monitor for relapses and check for associated cancers. Better monitoring and treatment outcomes for autoimmune encephalitis may result from identifying early indications and comprehending the function of different antibodies.”
Understanding the role of various antibodies and recognising early signs may lead to improved monitoring and treatment outcomes for autoimmune encephalitis.
Autoimmune encephalitis can occur when the immune system attacks the brain and causes inflammation. In addition to psychological symptoms like aggression and psychosis, this may result in neurological issues like seizures, memory loss and problems with speech. On World Brain Day, expert explains what is Autoimmune encephalitis? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
