Autoimmune encephalitis is a difficult clinical diagnosis due to the similarities in the clini­cal, imaging and laboratory findings of many forms of autoimmune and infectious encephalitis.
Autoimmune encephalitis involves several types: The first group includes the classic paraneo­plastic disorders associated with antibodies to intracellular antigens. The second group involves autoantibodies to extracel­lular epitopes of ion channels, receptors and other associated proteins, such as the NMDA receptor. final group includes other forms of autoim­mune encephalitis in which precise antigens are less clearly established, such as lupus cerebritis or ADEM. The classical pre­sentation of encephalitis consists of subacute (days to a few weeks) progressive decrease in the level of consciousness, often with fluctuations, and altered cognition.
DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES

Treatment Approaches: Treatment for suspected autoimmune encephalitis is often given empirically prior to specific antibody test results. This may include steroids and/or IVIG. If a cell-surface/synaptic antibody disorder is diagnosed, initial treatments may in­clude IVIG, plasmapheresis, and/or steroids. The proper diagnosis and management of autoimmune en­cephalitis requires an organized approach. Evaluation should begin with a detailed history and physical examination to detect clues to specific causes. A diverse range of infections should be considered, and appropriate testing should be done to exclude relevant pathogen.