Autoimmune Epilepsy

Dr. Claude Steriade is a neurologist from the New York University School of medicine and is affiliated with the NYU Langone Hospitals. She is a published researcher on the topic and has fast become an expert in her field and one her peers rely on.
Learning objectives:
• Discuss conceptual definitions of autoimmune seizures and epilepsies and their practical implication in clinical practice.
• Describe established presentations of seizure associated with autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune associated epilepsy and available tools to improve diagnosis.
• Discuss diagnostic tools to investigate autoimmunity in people with seizures.
• Highlight potential treatment approaches in patients with autoimmune seizures.
Autoimmune Encephalitis is a group of inflammatory brain diseases that are characterized by prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms. These patients are often believed to have psychiatric presentations, but they do NOT. Common clinical features include a change in behavior, psychosis, seizures, memory, and cognitive deficits, abnormal movements, dysautonomia, and a decreased level of consciousness. Psychiatrists and Emergency Room Physicians are often the first medical professionals who see these patients. It is vital that Clinicians consider the possibility of an autoantibody-related etiology and become familiar with the red flags suggestive of synaptic autoimmunity as the underlying cause in all cases of first-onset, out-of-the-blue psychosis. A high level of suspicion is necessary as autoimmune encephalitis is treatable with immunotherapy. Firm evidence shows that earlier recognition and treatment lead to improved outcomes. It is important to note, that the disorder is refractory to antipsychotics; indeed, antipsychotic agents make affected patients much worse, even to the point of developing something akin to neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
The International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society, (IAES), is the only Family/Patient-centered organization for people with a diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis. Leading with integrity, IAES strives to advance services, education, increased awareness, and research for this group of diseases. IAES provides science-based information backed by trusted medical experts in the field of autoimmune neurology and relies on the expertise of our Medical Advisory Board. We are an established non-profit organization with a history of supporting all-inclusive services from diagnosis to recovery and the many challenges experienced in that journey.
Visit our website: www.autoimmune-encephalitis.org
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