EEG Changes in Autoimmune Neuronal Synaptic Encephalitis—A Case Study

Introduction: Autoimmune neuronal synaptic encephalitis is a group of antibody-mediated inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. We have used bedside EEG recording in the early diagnosis of suspected cases of autoimmune encephalitis.

Methods: The EEG records of 15 patients (M:F = 10:5) with suspected autoimmune encephalitis were studied. Their clinical profile, antibody studies, MRI findings, and outcome were also recorded.

Results: -26.67% patients had periodic discharges in the EEG, 6.67% patients had triphasic complexes, 20% patients had a generalized delta slowing with delta brushes, 20% patients had generalized epileptiform discharges, 13.72% had a nonconvulsive status epilepticus, and 13.72% had a rhythmic delta slowing in the EEG.

Conclusion: EEG is an inexpensive tool in the early diagnosis of suspected autoimmune neuronal synaptic encephalitis. The Results of an abnormal EEG will aide in the diagnosis and -rapid initiation of treatment even before other test Results become available. Often, antibody studies do not correlate with the clinical presentation and bedside EEG could be an invaluable guide in clinically suspected cases. Initiation of treatment early in the illness improves the clinical outcome and delays the long-term sequelae.