Is autoimmune epilepsy treatable?

Autoimmunity is now recognized as a potentially treatable cause of epilepsy. Treatment of people with autoimmune epilepsy includes therapies to inhibit the immune system (called immunotherapy) and removal of immunologic triggers where possible.

Is epilepsy related to immune system?

The high prevalence of epilepsies in specific immune diseases suggests that immune system may play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy or might be associated with it. There is some evidence that immune mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of some epilepsy syndromes.

Can seizures be caused by autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune disorders have long been recognized as potential causes of seizures. In the extreme, autoimmune mechanisms can lead to limbic encephalitis, an acute disorder.

Is epilepsy an immunocompromised condition?

There is no evidence that people with epilepsy alone have a weakened immune system. They should not be considered “immunocompromised” and would not have an “immune deficiency” from having seizures.

What is a lupus seizure?

Seizures are one of the most serious neurological symptoms of lupus. Seizures are thought to occur because the inflammation and antibodies created by lupus aggravate the central nervous system and brain.

Does epilepsy worsen with age?

Epilepsy can develop at any age. Early childhood and older adulthood tend to be the most common life stages. The outlook tends to be better for people who develop epilepsy as children — there’s a chance they might outgrow it as they age. Developing epilepsy before the age of 12 increases this positive outcome.

What kind of infections cause seizures?

Common infections of the central nervous system that may present with seizures include: herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, arbovirus, human immunodeficiency virus, neurocysticercosis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, bacterial meningitis and brain abscess.

Does epilepsy cause mental health problems?

Between 30 and 50 percent of children with epilepsy will develop a behavioral or mental health problem. The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder.

Is there a link between epilepsy and autoimmune disease?

The prevalence of autoimmune epilepsy isn’t known. Recent research suggests that people with autoimmune disease are almost four times likelier to have epilepsy than are people without autoimmune disorders. “Autoimmune-mediated epilepsy is probably a lot more common than we think,” Dr. Britton says.

Can a paraneoplastic syndrome cause autoimmune epilepsy?

While the paraneoplastic syndromes are usually cancer related, the autoimmune encephalitis may occur with or without cancer. Finding an autoimmune cause to seizures is very important and will affect its treatiment. What are the common features of autoimmune epilepsy?

When does autoimmune epilepsy start in a child?

Autoimmune seizures typically start in adulthood and are generally less common in children. Seizures and epilepsy can be due to many different causes. Certain hints or “red flags” should raise the possibility of an autoimmune cause.

How often do autoimmune epilepsy patients respond to medication?

In fact, only 1 out of 8 people with autoimmune seizures will respond to antiseizure medication alone. Since the reason for seizures in autoimmune epilepsy is inflammation in the brain, treating the inflammation is critical to gain control of the seizures.