Autoimmune and Inflammatory Encephalopathies

Autoimmune encephalitides and inflammatory encephalopathies are frequently characterized by seizures refractory to antiepileptic drugs associated with neurological, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations suggestive of a multifocal or diffuse cortical-subcortical dysfunction. Despite the increasing number of autoantibodies directed against neuronal antigens identified in recent years, conventional neurological evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging are still essential means to entertain a correct diagnosis. Indeed, electroencephalographic features, such as extreme delta brush, as well as electro-clinical phenomena, such as faciobrachial dystonic seizures and epilepsia partialis continua, have been recognized to be associated with specific forms of non-infective immune-mediated encephalitis. A prompt diagnosis of these neurological disorders, facilitated by a knowledgeable use of electroencephalography, is highly desirable in order to begin an early appropriate treatment and achieve a better outcome.