Autoimmune diseases with seizures and epilepsy as a core manifestation

Autoimmune diseases are increasingly recognised as cause of recurrent seizures and epilepsies. Early diagnosis is crucial, as some of the symptoms including disturbances of vigilance, cognition and faciobrachial dystonic seizures only respond to immunosuppression. The long term outcome appears to depend on the subtype as defined by specific autoantibodies, but a large portion of people fulfilling most clinical criteria do not display common antibodies. To improve clinical care of people with ‚autoimmune diseases with seizures and epilepsy as a core manifestation‘, our SIG will focus on the following objectives:

• Identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease progression, therapy monitoring and outcome
• Address diagnostic/treatment challenges in rare, complex cases
• Sharing research, lab insights, and latest literature
• Dissemination of knowledge on autoimmune diseases with seizures and epilepsy

ACTIVITIES:

• Finalising diagnostic guidelines
• Building consensus on key markers & tools (e.g. FDG-PET, EEG signs)
• Emphasising early diagnosis for immunotherapy responsiveness