Advances in clinical research on autoimmune epilepsy

DING Jie; HAO Yong

doi:10.12022/jnnr.2016-0022

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Journal of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation ›› 2016, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (2) : 106-111. DOI: 10.12022/jnnr.2016-0022

Review

Advances in clinical research on autoimmune epilepsy

DING Jie¹, HAO Yong²

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Abstract

Accumulating data has supported an autoimmune basis in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Neural-specific autoantibodies targeting both intracellular and plasma membrane antigens promote epilepsy through different mechanisms. Semeiology of epileptic seizure, neural-specific autoantibodies, inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalograph (EEG) contribute to make diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy. Immunomodulatory treatment may be a prospective effective therapy for autoimmune epilepsy, such as corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and azathioprine. Recent studies have indicated that cyclosporine A, FK-506 and rapamycin are effective for autoimmune epilepsy. In addition, plasma exchange is also one of the treatment options in acute phase. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment with immunotherapy and maintenance treatment in stable stage may lead to better outcomes. This review summarizes and analyzes the progress in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of autoimmune epilepsy.

Key words

Epilepsy / Autoimmune / Immunotherapy / Antibodies

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DING Jie, HAO Yong. Advances in clinical research on autoimmune epilepsy[J]. Journal of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation. 2016, 12(2): 106-111 https://doi.org/10.12022/jnnr.2016-0022

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