Limbisk encefalit diagnos
Autoimmune encephalitis, also known as autoimmune limbic encephalitis, is an antibody-mediated brain inflammatory process. While typically involving the limbic system, any part of the brain or central nervous system more broadly, can be involved.
Autoimmune encephalitis can be divided broadly into two groups, based on whether or not antibodies are the result of an underlying tumor:
paraneoplastic encephalitis: usually antibodies are against intracellular antigens, poor response to immunotherapy
non-neoplastic autoimmune encephalitis: antibodies are against extracellular antigens, usually with a reversible neuronal dysfunction and better response to immunotherapy
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Unfortunately, there is considerable heterogeneity in how the term limbic encephalitis is used. Most authors limit the term to autoimmune limbic encephalitis, including both paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic causes. Some, however, include viral encephalitides (especially HSV encephalitis) under the broad term limbic encephalitis.
For the purpose of this article, we will restrict the term to autoimmune encephalitis, both paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic causes. HSV and other vir
Limbic encephalitis
Inflammation involving the limbic system in the brain
Medical condition
Limbic encephalitis is a form of encephalitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the brain.[1] Limbic encephalitis is caused by autoimmunity: an abnormal state where the body produces antibodies against itself. Some cases are associated with cancer and some are not.[1] Although the disease is known as "limbic" encephalitis, it is seldom limited to the limbic system and post-mortem studies usually show involvement of other parts of the brain.[2][3][4] The disease was first described by Brierley and others in as a series of three cases. The link to cancer was first noted in [3] and confirmed by later investigators.[5]
The majority of cases of limbic encephalitis are associated with a tumor (diagnosed or undiagnosed). In cases caused by tumor, recovery can only occur following complete removal of the tumor, which is not always possible. Limbic encephalitis is classified according to the auto-antibody that causes the disease. The most common types are:
Since , following the publication of a case report of
Limbic encephalitis
Symptoms of Limbic Encephalitis
The symptoms of LE can vary, but common signs include:
- Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recent events or learning new information.
- Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, which may vary from minor to severe.
- Confusion: Often, people with LE experience episodes of disorientation or a lack of mental clarity.
- Sleep disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia.
- Personality or behavioural changes: Anxiety, irritability, aggression, or nedstämdhet are common psychological symptoms.
These symptoms often develop over days or weeks, but in some cases, they may appear more gradually. Early recognition is key, as the condition can progress quickly if not treated.
Causes of limbic encephalitis
Limbic encephalitis can be caused by different factors, generally grouped into two main categories:
- Infectious encephalitis – caused by direkt invasion of the limbic area of the brain by a bug, usually a virus.
- Autoimmune encephalitis – caused bygd the person’s own immune system reacting against parts of the limbic system.
1. Infectious causes
Infectious limbic encephalitis occurs when a