Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
Published on: June 25, 2016
Seizures and cerebritis associated with administration of OKT3
1Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Abstract:
The development of a self-limited aseptic meningitis usually following the first dose administration of OKT3 therapy (an anti-pan-T-cell monoclonal antibody) in the treatment of renal transplantation rejection is well-documented. This report describes a patient with renal transplantation rejection who developed lateralizing seizures and cerebritis documented by magnetic resonance imaging. These findings were associated with the initiation of OKT3 therapy. To our knowledge, both cerebritis and seizures have not been described in association with OKT3 therapy.
Insights
OKT3 therapy, used for renal transplant rejection, can cause aseptic meningitis. This case report details new findings of cerebritis and seizures associated with OKT3 treatment in a transplant patient.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Renal transplantation rejection is a significant clinical challenge.
- OKT3 therapy, a monoclonal antibody targeting T-cells, is used to prevent rejection.
- Aseptic meningitis is a known side effect of OKT3 therapy.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing treatment for renal transplantation rejection was initiated on OKT3 therapy.
- The patient subsequently developed lateralizing seizures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of cerebritis.
Findings:
- Cerebritis and lateralizing seizures were observed in a renal transplant patient receiving OKT3 therapy.
- These neurological findings were directly associated with the initiation of OKT3 treatment.
- This represents the first documented instance of cerebritis and seizures linked to OKT3 therapy.
Implications:
- The findings expand the known spectrum of adverse neurological events associated with OKT3 therapy.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for neurological symptoms, including seizures and cerebritis, in patients receiving OKT3.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanism of OKT3-induced cerebritis and seizures.
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Seizures l: Introduction
Seizures ll: Types

