Approach and overview of autoimmune encephalitis: A review.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an inflammatory disease of the brain parenchyma that is mediated by many specific autoantibodies and is not caused by bacterial or viral causes. A diverse and growing number of autoantibodies have been identified in association with different types of AE. These antibodies can target either intracellular or cell-surface antigens. Advances are being made in understanding the clinical spectrum and treatment of AE. The prevalence and incidence of AE are increasing, although they remain comparable to those of infectious etiologies. The clinical presentation and management of AE are complex, with overlapping features. AE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of treatment-resistant epilepsy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing seizures from developing into epilepsy. However, the broad differential diagnosis, the inability to detect specific autoantibodies in every patient, and delays in receiving antibody test results impede early diagnosis and treatment. Immunosuppressive agents are primarily used in treatment; first-line options include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, while rituximab and cyclophosphamide are used as second-line treatments. This review aims to provide a concise and accessible summary of this topic for readers and researchers.