Autoimmune Neurologic Disorders

Am J Med. 2018 Mar;131(3):226-236. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.10.033. Epub 2017 Nov 7.

Abstract

The practice of autoimmune neurology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of neurological conditions driven by abnormal immune responses directed against neural tissues. These include autoimmune, paraneoplastic, postinfectious, and iatrogenic conditions. Symptoms of autoimmune neurologic disorders can be diverse and often difficult to recognize in their early stages, complicating the diagnosis. This review discusses the classification and management of common autoimmune neurological conditions, placing an emphasis on the rapid identification of autoimmune etiology and mechanism of immune dysfunction to allow for the timely institution of appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Autoantibodies; Autoimmune neurology; Encephalitis; Immunotherapy; Paraneoplastic disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy