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Antibodies in Epilepsy

  • Epilepsy (CW Bazil, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Antibody mediated limbic encephalitis is an increasingly recognized cause of seizures in cryptogenic epilepsy. Autoimmune encephalitis and epilepsy have been linked to both neuronal intracellular antibodies (GAD65, ANNA-1, and Ma) and neuronal cell surface antibodies (VGKC complex, NMDAR, AMPA, GABA-B, and GluR5). This article outlines the latest data on these various antibodies with a focus on their association with acute seizures in limbic encephalitis and likely increased risk for chronic epilepsy. There is mounting evidence that these antibodies may play a role in acute onset and chronic seizures in the general epilepsy population without manifesting typical limbic encephalitis symptoms. This review will discuss the data supporting early recognition and treatment options, beyond typical antiepileptic medications, necessary to improve outcomes in this epilepsy subgroup.

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Cynthia M. Correll declares no conflict of interest.

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  1. Columbia Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York Presbyterian Medical Center, 710 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Cynthia M. Correll

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  1. Cynthia M. Correll
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Correspondence to Cynthia M. Correll.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Epilepsy

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Correll, C.M. Antibodies in Epilepsy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 13, 348 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-013-0348-1

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