Autoimmunity and inflammation in status epilepticus: from concepts to therapies

The understanding of immunological mechanisms underlying some forms of epilepsy and encephalitis has rapidly increased for the last 10 years leading to the concept of status epilepticus of autoimmune origin. Actual treatment recommendations regarding autoimmune status epilepticus are based on retrospective case studies, pathophysiological considerations and experts' opinion. In addition, there are no clear indicators to predict outcome. In situations where autoimmune mechanisms are suspected in patients with status epilepticus, there is evidence that earlier treatment is related to better outcome. Increased awareness is mandatory to decrease the number of patients with major neurological problems or fatal outcome, which is overall about 50%. We here summarize findings of all pediatric and adult patients reported to date, and review the current state of knowledge in the field of immune therapeutic approaches of status epilepticus.