Immunosuppression Is Key to Seizure Control in Autoimmune Encephalitis

Among patients with specific autoantibody syndromes, seizure freedom was achieved most often after initiation of immunosuppression.

New-onset seizures are a frequent feature of autoimmune encephalitis (AIE), particularly in association with antibodies to leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (anti-LGI1), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR), or gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor (anti-GABA_BR). AIE-associated seizures seem unresponsive to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), whereas good response to immunosuppression has been reported in some syndromes (Brain 2018; 141:348). Efficacy of specific AEDs and of AEDs overall in the treatment of AIE seizures, especially compared with immunosuppression, is unknown. Researchers have now compared the relative contributions of AEDs and immunosuppression to seizure freedom in a retrospective study of an 18-year sample of AIE patients with…

Reviewing Author

John C. Probasco, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research Support Genetech/Roche

Editorial BoardsThe Neurohospitalist

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNeurohospitalist Society (President; Chair, Research Subcommittee)

John C. Probasco, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research Support Genetech/Roche

Editorial BoardsThe Neurohospitalist

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNeurohospitalist Society (President; Chair, Research Subcommittee)

Immunosuppression Is Key to Seizure Control in Autoimmune Encephalitis

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Reviewing Author