Autoimmune Encephalitis: Understanding Its Common Symptoms
Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of conditions that occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells. These disorders are typically categorized based on the type of antineuronal antibodies present and the associated clinical syndromes. The three primary types include anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, limbic encephalitis, and other autoimmune encephalitis syndromes. Each type presents with distinct neurological and psychiatric symptoms, which are discussed in detail below.Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Symptoms
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis often begins with flu-like prodromal symptoms such as fever and headache. In some cases, these early signs may follow a viral infection like herpes simplex virus encephalitis. As the condition progresses, more severe neurological and psychiatric manifestations emerge. Common symptoms include behavioral and personality changes, cognitive dysfunction, short-term memory loss, seizures, speech difficulties, movement disorders, involuntary movements, and altered levels of consciousness, which can progress to coma.
Involuntary movements are a hallmark of this condition and can vary in intensity. These may include facial twitching, limb movements, choreatic movements (dance-like motions), and even severe posturing such as opisthotonus. Autonomic dysfunction is also frequently observed, presenting as tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, central fever, hypothermia, or central hypoventilation.
It's worth noting that some patients may initially present with isolated psychiatric or neurological symptoms. This can lead to misdiagnosis, with some cases being mistaken for schizophrenia. In these instances, additional symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after the initial onset, making early detection particularly challenging.
Other Autoimmune Encephalitis Syndromes and Associated Symptoms
Sleep disturbances are also prevalent among patients with autoimmune encephalitis. These can range from insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness to hypersomnolence. Depending on the area of the brain affected, patients may also experience focal neurological deficits.
When the brainstem or cerebellum is involved, symptoms such as double vision (diplopia), ataxia (loss of coordination), and limb weakness or paralysis may develop. Additionally, some patients may experience involvement of the peripheral nerves or neuromuscular junctions, leading to conditions like neuromyotonia or myasthenic syndromes. These can result in muscle stiffness, weakness, and fatigue, further complicating the clinical picture.
Recognizing the wide range of symptoms associated with autoimmune encephalitis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained neurological or psychiatric changes, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.