Autoimmune Encephalitis: Recognizing The Symptoms

Initial or Prodromal Symptoms

Before the full onset of autoimmune encephalitis, some patients may experience early warning signs. These can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and general malaise. These prodromal symptoms may appear days or even weeks before more severe neurological symptoms develop.

Core Neurological Symptoms

The primary manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis often involve significant changes in mental status and brain function. These include:

• Psychiatric and behavioral changes – such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, or mood swings.
• Cognitive impairment – leading to confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
• Speech and language difficulties – including slurred speech or trouble forming coherent sentences.
• Epileptic seizures – which can vary in frequency and severity.
• Motor dysfunction – such as involuntary movements, tremors, or abnormal postures like opisthotonus.
• Decreased level of consciousness – ranging from drowsiness to coma in severe cases.
• Autonomic dysfunction – which may result in irregular heartbeats (tachycardia or bradycardia), fluctuating blood pressure, or central fever.

Among these, psychiatric symptoms, autonomic instability, and movement disorders are particularly common and can be key indicators for diagnosis.

Additional Symptoms

Besides the core symptoms, patients may also experience a range of other neurological issues, such as:

• Sleep disturbances including insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
• Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis).
• Double vision (diplopia) or other visual disturbances.
• Coordination problems (ataxia).
• Muscle weakness or stiffness (neuromyotonia).
• Abnormal sensations in the limbs, such as tingling or numbness.

Conclusion

Autoimmune encephalitis can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms that vary from person to person. Early recognition of these signs—especially psychiatric changes, movement disorders, and autonomic instability—is vital for prompt medical intervention. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained neurological or behavioral symptoms, seeking professional medical advice is strongly recommended.