When your body’s defense system turns on your own brain, things get serious. Autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks brain tissue, often triggered by neural antibodies. It’s not the same as viral encephalitis — this is an internal betrayal, not an infection from outside. People with this condition might suddenly have seizures, memory loss, confusion, or even hallucinations. It can look like a psychiatric episode, which is why so many are misdiagnosed for months — or worse.
This isn’t rare, but it’s under-recognized. Neural antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system that target brain receptors like NMDA or LGI1 are often the culprits. These antibodies disrupt how brain cells communicate, leading to erratic behavior or loss of function. Some cases link to tumors — like ovarian teratomas — while others have no clear trigger. Either way, the brain pays the price.
Diagnosis isn’t simple. Doctors need brain MRIs, spinal taps to check for antibodies, and sometimes EEGs to spot abnormal electrical activity. Treatment? It’s aggressive. Immunotherapy, a set of treatments designed to calm the overactive immune system is the first line — steroids, IVIG, or plasma exchange. If that doesn’t work, stronger drugs like rituximab or cyclophosphamide come in. Recovery isn’t guaranteed, but early treatment makes a huge difference.
What you’ll find here isn’t just theory. These articles dig into real-world cases, drug interactions that can make things worse, how supplements might interfere with treatment, and why telling your doctor about every pill you take matters — especially when your brain is under attack. You’ll see how medications like carbamazepine or phenytoin, often used for seizures, can complicate things. You’ll learn why monitoring levels isn’t optional. And you’ll get clear, no-fluff advice on what actually helps when your body is fighting your own mind.
