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Updated: May 23, 2026

The Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Model of Perinatal Ischemia
Published on: November 19, 2008
[Hashimoto's encephalopathy]
B Chaigne1, E Beaufils, Y Jouan
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France. benjamin.chaigne@hotmail.fr
Hashimoto's encephalopathy, a rare neurological disorder, presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms and thyroid antibodies. Despite debates, reported cases are increasing, highlighting the need for diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Context:
- Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare neurological condition characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms and elevated thyroid antibodies.
- The existence and diagnostic criteria for HE have been debated since its initial description.
- Physicians encounter increasing cases, necessitating a better understanding of this autoimmune disorder.
Purpose:
- To provide an updated review of Hashimoto's encephalopathy based on a comprehensive literature search.
- To consolidate current knowledge on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of HE.
- To highlight the ongoing need for established diagnostic criteria and therapeutic consensus.
Summary:
- A Medline database search identified 316 references on Hashimoto's encephalopathy published between 1961 and 2011.
- The review indicates a growing number of reported cases, suggesting HE may be underdiagnosed or more prevalent than previously thought.
- Key findings underscore the association between neuropsychiatric manifestations and positive thyroid antibodies in patients with HE.
Impact:
- This review emphasizes the clinical relevance of recognizing Hashimoto's encephalopathy in patients with unexplained neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- It calls for the development of standardized diagnostic criteria to improve early detection and intervention.
- Establishing therapeutic consensus is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and managing this complex autoimmune neurological condition.
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