What is limbic encephalitis?
Limbic encephalitis is a disorder characterized mainly by inflammation of the limbic system, which is a group of structures located on the base of the brain. The problem may arise for one of the two main reasons. The first is an infection because some viruses tend to target this part of the brain. The second is the result of an autoimmune reaction where it attacks the body's immune system. This category can be further divided into two types: Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis or PLE and non -paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis or nPle Although there are several viruses that could be to blame, the most common is herpes simplex virus. For this reason, the situation is sometimes known as encephalitis Herpes Simplex. The antibodies produced by the body in the fight against Cancer may incorrectly attack the structures of the limbic system, leading to inflammation. The most common type of cancer leading to this situation is a small cellular lung cancer, but may also occur in stomach, breast cancer, testicular or thymus cancer.
In the case of non -paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, limbic structures in the brain are also attacked by antibodies, but are not generated as an immune response to cancer in the body. Typically, these antibodies focus and destroy proteins called potassium channels that reduce control over the electrical signals pass the brain. Another name for this problem is voltage -controlled encephalitis associated with the antibody of the potassium channel.
, regardless of the basic cause, patients suffering from limbic encephalitis usually experience similar symptoms. Memory loss is common because the limbic system is critical of the formation of memories. Some patients may be confused or disoriented or may even show signs of deliria. In some cases, the disorder may cause seizures. Brain scanning with MRI often shows changes in brain signals associated with limbic structures.
treatment of limbic eNcephalits depend on the cause of the disease. Viral infections can be treated with antiviral drugs that help clean the infection. In cases where autoimmune reactions are to blame, immunosuppressive drugs can often be useful. Cancer treatment causes antibodies also plays a role for those who have a PLE.