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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
[Hashimoto's encephalitis: a new case with spontaneous remission]
M R Querol Pascual1, J J Aguirre Sánchez, M R Velicia Mata
1Sección de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Badajoz. QUELOHIC@teleline.es
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Hashimoto's encephalopathy, a neurological disorder linked to thyroid disease, can present with acute confusion, seizures, and stroke-like episodes. Checking antithyroid antibody levels is crucial for diagnosing unexplained encephalopathy, especially with relapsing symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hashimoto's encephalopathy is a rare neurological disorder associated with autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Its pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria remain poorly understood.
- The condition often presents with fluctuating neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old female presented with relapsing acute confusion, tremor, seizures, and a stroke-like episode.
- She had high titers of antithyroid antibodies.
- Neurologic investigations revealed EEG abnormalities, reduced brain perfusion on SPECT, and mildly elevated CSF protein.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a favorable clinical course without corticosteroid treatment.
- Antithyroid antibody levels and EEG normalized after one year.
- Brain CT and cerebral angiogram were normal, ruling out structural lesions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Hashimoto's encephalopathy in unexplained encephalopathy.
- Measuring antithyroid antibodies is recommended for patients with relapsing encephalopathy, seizures, or stroke-like episodes.
- Early detection and management may lead to favorable outcomes and antibody normalization.
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