Recovery from "Brain on Fire" Disorder Takes Up to Three Years

Recovery from Anti-NMDAR encephalitis can take up to three years, with lingering memory and emotional difficulties for many patients.

Highlights:

Recovery from Anti-NMDAR encephalitis can last up to three years
Cognitive, social, and emotional difficulties often persist after treatment
Long-term support is essential for young adults recovering from this rare brain disorder

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a very rare autoimmune inflammation of the brain that is characterized by confusion, memory problems, movement disorders, behavioral changes, and seizures. This condition is also called the ‘brain on fire’ disorder because of the representation in a memoir and movie. It mainly strikes young adults, hence caused by ovarian tumors or herpes simplex virus or of an unknown origin ().

Findings on Encephalitis Recovery Timeline

Specific survey conducted in the Netherlands of 92 patients at the age 29 indicates that recovery period lasts up to 3 years longer than was believed.

Encephalitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain, mostly caused by viruses. Though rare, it is a serious condition and needs urgent treatment in a hospital.

‘Did You Know?
65% of patients still struggle with cognitive problems even after 3 years of treatment? #medindia #brainhealth’

Key findings include:

Initial Recovery: It has been also established that the greater majority of changes are likely to happen within the first six months of training programs.

Continued Progress: Memory and language slightly improve and it does it constantly in the next 3 years.

Lingering Effects Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Despite Treatment

Still, many patients experience residual effects even after immunotherapy treatment:

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in India: Could Litchi be the Culprit?
Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Bihar, India has claimed the lives of 133 children so far. It is suspected that toxins present in litchi could be the cause of the illness.

Cognitive Impairments: 65% performed low average memory and language scores at three years.

Emotional and Social Challenges: Participants reported suffering from reduced emotional well-being, energy levels, and quality of life.

Treatment Options for Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Compared
Efficacy of treatment options for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis for male patients without tumor compared and possible treatment response biomarker has been identified. These treatments include steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, ...

Work and Education: 30% did not return to school or work, and 18% made requirements.

Although the majority of people are able to return to pre-injury levels during the first one to two years, covert cognitive, social, and emotional impairments persist in many. To mitigate these challenges, and enhance broad community success with a focus on young adults transitioning through various development milestones the study underlines the need for sustainable support. The study also excluded pediatric patients under the age of 16 or patients who died from the disease and, thereby, might be underestimating severity in some cases.

Cost-Effective Biosensor for Detecting Japanese Encephalitis Virus Developed
A cost-effective and less hazardous biosensor for detecting the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) has been developed by researchers.

Reference:

How Long Does It Take to Recover from "Brain on Fire" Disorder? - (https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5214)

Source-Medindia