Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE)?                                                        

AE is a serious medical condition in which the immune system attacks the brain, impairing function.

Are you more likely to be diagnosed with AE due to age or gender?          

The disease occurs in men, women and children of all ages, but it has historically been diagnosed most frequently in young women. Out of 100-plus known autoimmune diseases, 75% of people affected are female.

What are the known causes of AE?                                                                 

Acute episodes of AE are known to be triggered by:

• a teratoma ( a type of tumor, generally found in the ovaries);
• the presence in the body of a cancer, that indirectly triggers an autoimmune response (this is called a “paraneoplastic syndrome”)
• exposure to certain common bacteria, including, but not limited to, streptococcus and mycoplasma pneumonia, with or without active infection.

A teratoma or cancer is found only in a small minority of AE patients. Active infection is also uncommon in patients presenting with acute AE. Unfortunately, the immediate trigger of many episodes of AE remains unknown, though studies on possible viral triggers are currently underway.

Are family members at greater risk of contracting AE?                                 

No research to date shows increased risk of contracting AE among family members of those with the disease.

What is the frequency of relapse after having an acute episode of AE?     

The Lancet Neurology article reported that 12% of patients had at least one relapse within two years.