[The clinical use of auto-antibodies in neurology]

Auto-antibody determinations are very important in current clinical practice, not only in immunology or rheumatology but also in the neurosciences. These antibodies have both diagnostic and prognostic implications which, unfortunately, are often overused or are granted undue importance when it comes to interpreting them. On requesting their determination it is therefore necessary to know their indications, utility and application.

To present a series of auto-antibodies that are relatively commonly used in neurology and which have primary and secondary effects on both the central and the peripheral nervous system, including the neuromuscular junction and muscle tissue.

In this review we cover a series of different conditions, including diseases such as vasculitis, cerebrovascular disease, neurological paraneoplastic syndromes, dysimmune polyneuropathies and inflammatory myopathies. Special attention is given, when relevant, to the indications and, particularly, to the value and weight that should be granted to both positive and negative results.

Appropriate interpretation and knowledge of the scope and limitations of auto-antibodies are essential, because otherwise they will lead to mistaken diagnoses and, consequently, erroneous treatment.