Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
When a patient presents with neurological symptoms, several clinical features should prompt suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis NICE NG127.
- Seizures are a significant indicator and are often associated with autoimmune conditions Gillinder & Britton 2022.
- Patients may also exhibit a range of psychiatric manifestations Ford et al. 2022. These can include new-onset psychosis, mood changes, or behavioral disturbances Ford et al. 2022.
- Furthermore, autonomic nervous system involvement can be a key feature Villagrán-García et al. 2024. This might present as unexplained changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or gastrointestinal function Villagrán-García et al. 2024.
While general neurological conditions require careful assessment and referral NICE NG127, the presence of these specific features, particularly in combination, should raise the index of suspicion for autoimmune encephalitis Gillinder & Britton 2022Ford et al. 2022Villagrán-García et al. 2024.
Key References
- NG127 - Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral
- NG95 - Lyme disease
- (Gillinder and Britton, 2022): Autoimmune-Associated Seizures.
- (Ford et al., 2022): Psychiatric manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis.
- (Villagrán-García et al., 2024): Autonomic nervous system involvement in autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes.