When the Immune System Attacks: A Case of Autoimmune Encephalitis

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune encephalitis refers to a group of inflammatory disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks brain components, causing symptoms including cognitive alterations, psychiatric symptoms, and dysautonomia. Diagnosis is based on criteria that include subacute presentation of symptoms, alterations in mental status, brain imaging findings, and exclusion of other causes. However, nonspecificity of tests may complicate the diagnostic process.
Case presentation: 43-year-old patient with altered level of consciousness, psychomotor agitation and limbic symptoms. Blood studies, MRI and lumbar puncture were performed to rule out other causes, and a favorable result was obtained with high doses of corticosteroids and plasmapheresis.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to improve the prognosis in patients with autoimmune encephalitis. Access to specific tests for accurate identification is required, as well as a clinical approach with interdisciplinary collaboration in medical care.