Autoimmune encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis is a broad term for brain inflammation driven by the immune system, most often through antibodies against proteins on the surface of nerve cells or, less commonly, proteins inside them. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is one specific and well-studied type, and others involve antibodies such as LGI1 or GABA receptors, with some cases linked to an underlying tumor and others not. The pattern of symptoms depends on which part of the brain is affected.

Research describes autoimmune encephalitis overall as a group of conditions now recognized about as often as infectious causes of encephalitis, and their recognized prevalence has been rising as testing has improved, though reviewers note that solid population-level epidemiological data remain scarce. Some subtypes are more common in children and young adults and more prevalent in women, while others affect a broader age range.

Common signs

Fairly rapid changes in memory and thinking, mood or behavior changes, confusion, seizures, abnormal movements, and sometimes sleep or autonomic disturbances, usually developing over days to weeks rather than slowly over years.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.