Autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a neurological syndrome in which autoantibodies attack the amygdala, hypothalamus, and other limbic structures. The inflammatory process results in impaired obsessive-compulsive behavior, depression, epileptic seizures, and memory loss.
Today there are more than 30 types of antibodies, which can be divided into two main groups:
• paraneoplastic, or onconeural;
• nonparaneoplastic.
The disease is difficult to treat, but the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis. With timely therapy and a comprehensive approach, it is often possible to achieve complete recovery and restoration of all functions of the limbic structures.
Symptoms
A specific feature of autoimmune limbic encephalitis is that the clinical picture develops subacutely (within a few weeks). The most common symptoms of the pathology include the following:
• loss of short-term memory;
• depressive disorders;
• apathy;
• epileptic seizures;
• psychomotor agitation;
• confusion;
• hallucinations, etc.
Dyskinesia, excessive sleepiness, hyperthermia, and marked cognitive impairment may also be of concern. If at least some of these symptoms occur, it is worth making an appointment with a physician without delay.
