Autoimmune epilepsy, retrospective case series of clinical features, management, and outcomes

To evaluate the clinical and electrographic features of patients with autoimmune epilepsy and assess the influence of early diagnosis and treatment on reducing seizure frequency.

A retrospective observational case series was conducted utilizing medical records from King Abdullah Medical Hospital between 2017 and 2022. Cases of newly diagnosed seizures were chosen based on laboratory-proven autoimmunity.

Five female inpatients were identified, primarily presenting with seizures suggestive of an autoimmune origin. Autoimmune antibodies were detected in all patients as follows: GAD (3), NMDA-R (2). One patient exhibited unilateral temporal lobe onset while three displayed bilateral onset. One patient had an associated malignancy. Rituximab was administered as an immunomodulatory therapy to four patients, resulting in successful seizure reduction post-immunotherapy initiation.

Autoimmune epilepsy is recognized as a distinct condition. The clinical presentation can be complex and antibody testing may warrant repetition if initial results are negative or if specific antibodies are not detected. Early initiation of immunosuppression, coupled with prompt treatment escalation when required, is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes.