Problems with Autoimmune Epilepsy Diagnostics

Abstract

Objective of the Review: To analyse and systematise knowledge in the problems with autoimmune epilepsy diagnostics. Main part. Clinical phenotypes of immune-mediated epilepsy depend on various types of antibodies. However, autoimmune epilepsy is diagnosed also in patients who are followed up for chronic refractory unexplained epilepsy, especially in initial epileptic status and late onset epilepsy without structural changes on brain imaging. Brain imaging changes may not be observed, especially in early disease. Very often a diagnostic challenge in autoimmune epilepsy is the difference between epileptic seizures and behavioural symptoms and the mental changes caused by involvement of limbic brain structures. An important role in detection of seizures and differential diagnosis is played by video-EEG-monitoring, which allows identifying the true number of seizures, epileptiform activity between seizures, behavioural changes not related to paroxysmal activity of cortical neurons. Any specific EEG signs for differentiation between various types of autoimmune epilepsy have not been found yet. Still, EEG can provide patterns that are unique for certain forms of autoimmune encephalitis. Conclusion. Video-EEG-monitoring significantly contributes to autoimmune epilepsy diagnostics, and some changes can be used as markers of disease severity. It is very important, especially in patients with impairment of consciousness, where identification of the clinical status and response to therapy is challenging. Keywords: autoimmune epilepsy, video-EEG-monitoring, epilepsy diagnostics