Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
10:19
High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum
Published on: November 23, 2013
16.4K
Narcolepsy secondary to anti-Ma2 encephalitis: two case reports
Jean-Baptiste Brunet de Courssou1, Pauline Testard2, Magali Sallansonnet-Froment1
1Neurology Department, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Percy, Clamart, France.
Summary
Autoimmune encephalitis, particularly anti-Ma2 encephalitis, can cause narcolepsy. This study highlights two cases of narcolepsy linked to anti-Ma2 encephalitis, emphasizing the need for expert sleep evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Sleep disorders affect two-thirds of patients with autoimmune encephalitis.
- Hypersomnia is common in anti-Ma2 encephalitis, but narcolepsy is rarely reported.
Observation:
- Two new cases of narcolepsy secondary to anti-Ma2 encephalitis are presented.
- Case 1: A 68-year-old male with narcolepsy type 1, cerebellar syndrome, and anti-Ma2 antibodies, treated with pitolisant.
- Case 2: A 42-year-old male with narcolepsy type 2, limbic encephalitis, and anti-Ma2 antibodies.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited central hypersomnia requiring multiple polysomnographies for diagnosis.
- Hypocretin-1 deficiency was noted in type 1 narcolepsy, with intermediate levels in type 2.
- Anti-Ma2 antibodies were detected in serum and CSF for both patients.
Implications:
- These cases expand the understanding of narcolepsy presentation in anti-Ma2 encephalitis.
- Highlights the importance of specialized sleep investigations in diagnosing central hypersomnia associated with autoimmune encephalitis.
- Suggests pitolisant as a potential treatment option for narcolepsy in this context.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:07Narcolepsy
175
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
175
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.5K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.5K
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.7K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.7K
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
1.2K
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
1.2K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
323
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
323