Kuala Lumpur, Dec 6: Delving into the complexities of Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE), a neurological condition mimicking mental health challenges, sheds light on its misdiagnosis journey and the imperative need for understanding.
Imagine a sudden transition from a healthy, project-focused adult to experiencing hallucinations and delusions the next day. Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) has emerged as a frequently misdiagnosed condition, defined by the immune system attacking the brain.
Dr Ellie Kok Huey Tean, Consultant Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, highlights AE’s progressive or relapsing-remitting forms, often presenting diverse symptoms that, if untreated, can lead to permanent brain injury or even death.
Dr Ellie underscores the challenge in diagnosing AE, as its clinical symptoms mimic psychiatric conditions, leading to hindrances and delays. AE, stemming from self-generated antibodies, spans various age groups without a hereditary link. Symptoms include headache, personality changes, cognitive decline, seizures, movement disorders, hallucinations, or delusions.
Autoimmune Encephalitis Across Age Groups:
While AE can manifest at any age, specific phenotypes may show higher prevalence in certain age or gender groups. For instance, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is observed more in adolescents and young adults, particularly affecting young women with underlying tumours like Ovarian Teratoma.
In the elderly, a distinct AE phenotype known as paraneoplastic encephalitis is linked to hidden cancers, where the immune system generates antibodies attacking the brain.
Dr Ellie emphasizes vigilance for AE symptoms in the elderly, suggesting early detection enhances recovery chances.
Diagnostic and Treatment Process:
Diagnosing AE involves differentiating psychiatric conditions from neurological diseases, considering short-term memory loss, altered mental states, movement disorders, and seizures within a three-month timeframe. Specific tests, including EEG, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and brain MRI, aid in diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, Immunotherapy treatments such as IVIG, plasma exchange, and immunosuppression agents target eliminating auto-antibodies, offering a cure for most patients. Follow-ups are crucial, as a minority may relapse within five years.
In times of health uncertainties, seeking professional medical advice is paramount. Whether it’s AE or any neurological condition, early intervention remains key to effective treatment. Dr. Ellie emphasizes the urgency of recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical advice, and ensuring ongoing care for those affected by AE.
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