Limbic Encephalitis and Autoimmune Encephalitides: Pathophysiology, Classification, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment ()
ABSTRACT
Limbic encephalitis represents a cluster of autoimmune disorders, with inflammation in the medial temporal lobe
characterised by the subacute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as
anxiety, affective symptoms, psychosis, short-term memory impairment, as well
as faciobrachial and grand mal seizures. The
limbic system is a complex anatomical structure which this paper seeks to explain in terms of its anatomy and
physiology, before exploring what happens when it is impaired as is the
case of autoimmune and limbic encephalitis.
We will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical symptomatology and
diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis, a cluster of symptoms which can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed within
psychiatric settings. Characteristic indicators of autoimmune
encephalitis include neurologic symptoms such as
facial twitching, seizures, confusion, and cognitive decline; however, our experience
realises that autoimmune encephalitis is not easy to identify as most patients
initially present with psychiatric symptomatology rather than these
neurological symptoms. Furthermore, immunological and laboratory testing take a long time to diagnose the condition. Importantly, few psychiatrists
consider the autoimmune nature of the neuropsychiatric presentation. It is
hence vital to consider autoimmune encephalitis in all patients
with atypical presentations.
Share and Cite:
Shahpesandy, H. (2023) Limbic Encephalitis and Autoimmune Encephalitides: Pathophysiology, Classification, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment.
World Journal of Neuroscience,
13, 39-66. doi:
10.4236/wjns.2023.131004.
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