Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test - IFA

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test

It is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies in the blood for the diagnosis of a rare neurological disease called autoimmune encephalitis. It is a disease where antibodies are formed against patient’s own brain cells.

Antibodies (also called immunoglobulin) are specific proteins that are produced in our body by the immune system against foreign substances like disease causing bacteria, virus, parasites, and fungi. These foreign invading substances are called antigens. Antibodies act and destroy these antigens and thus protect our body from these disease causing antigens. Autoimmune encephalitis are a group of neurological disorders in which antibodies are produced by mistake against body own brain cells and tissues. These antibodies attack brain tissues and cause damage and inflammation. These antibodies are called auto antibodies.

Autoimmune encephalitis can be progressive and may worsen with time or it may be relapsing-remitting. If left untreated it may cause permanent brain damage and coma. This disease usually affects young women .The various subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis according to different antibodies produced are:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
• Anti-NMDAR receptor encephalitis
• Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
• LG11/CASPR2-antibody encephalitis
• Rasmussen encephalitis
• Limbic encephalitis

The common symptoms associated with autoimmune encephalitis are:

• Memory loss
• Cognitive decline
• Abnormal movements of face and body
• Difficulty in balance, speech
• Loss of sleep
• Weakness/loss of sensation/paralysis
• Fits
• Psychiatry symptoms like anxiety/panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Unconsciousness

The tests done for diagnosis of this rare disease are neurological examination, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis, MRI,EEG and autoimmune encephalitis blood panel test.

Why is autoimmune encephalitis panel test prescribed?

• The health care provider may prescribe this test for the diagnosis and differentiation of various subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis as mentioned above by detecting specific antibodies in blood. An early diagnosis helps in reducing severity of symptoms as well as prevents long term complications.

What are the components of autoimmune encephalitis panel tests?

The autoimmune encephalitis panel tests include detection of following antibodies in blood of suspected patient:

• antibody to NMDA receptor
• antibody to VGKC
• antibody to AMPA(1and 2) receptor
• antibody to GABA2
•  

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for autoimmune encephalitis panel test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. There may be some pain due to needle prick. No preparation is needed before this test.

Results

The result of autoimmune encephalitis panel test antibodies maybe positive or negative