Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy 2018; 07(02): 069-075
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668589
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Immunotherapy in Autoimmune and Neuroinflammation-Related Epilepsies

Kapil Arya
1   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Child Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
,
Erin Willis
1   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Child Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
,
Debopam Samanta
1   Department of Pediatrics, Section of Child Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

02 June 2018

20 June 2018

Publication Date:
03 September 2018 (online)

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Abstract

There is increasing recognition of the role played by neuroinflammation both as a factor in the development of epilepsy as well as a consequence of seizures. Autoimmune encephalitis and epilepsies have emerged as an important etiology of drug-refractory epilepsies. The recognition of these entities is vital for immunomodulation and is the cornerstone in its management. Immunotherapy treatment regimens in these conditions continue to be refined, and there is an increasing knowledge in their use. This article attempts to review the experience with the use of different immunotherapies in specific autoimmune and neuroinflammation-related encephalitis and epilepsies including their mechanisms of action and potential side effects.