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What is Limbic Encephalitis?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

Limbic encephalitis is a disorder characterized primarily by inflammation of the limbic system, which is a group of structures located at the base of the brain. The issue can occur for one of two main reasons. The first is infection, because certain viruses tend to target this portion of the brain. The other is the result of an autoimmune response, where the body's own immune system attacks it. This category can be further broken down into two types: paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, or PLE, and non-paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, or NPLE.

An infection in the brain that attacks the limbic system can lead to limbic encephalitis. Though there are several viruses that might be to blame, the most common is the herpes simplex virus. The condition is sometimes known as herpes simplex encephalitis for this reason.

An infection in the brain that attacks the limbic system can lead to limbic encephalitis.
An infection in the brain that attacks the limbic system can lead to limbic encephalitis.

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, or PLE, typically occurs in patients with certain types of cancer. The antibodies produced by the body to fight the cancer may incorrectly attack the structures of the limbic system, leading to inflammation. The most common type of cancer that leads to this situation is small cell carcinoma of the lungs, but it may also occur with cancers of the stomach, breasts, testes, or thymus gland.

Neurologists often use MRIs to detect abnormal swelling in the patient's limbic system.
Neurologists often use MRIs to detect abnormal swelling in the patient's limbic system.

In cases of non-paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, the limbic structures in the brain are also attacked by antibodies, but they are not generated as an immune response to cancer in the body. Typically, these antibodies target and destroy proteins called potassium channels, which reduce control over how electrical signals travel through the brain. Another name for this issue is voltage-gated potassium channel antibody-associated encephalitis.

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis may occur in patients with cancers of the testes.
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis may occur in patients with cancers of the testes.

Regardless of the underlying cause, patients suffering from limbic encephalitis typically experience similar symptoms. Memory loss is common, as the limbic system is critical to the formation of memories. Some patients may become confused or disoriented, or may even show signs of delirium. In some cases, the disorder may trigger seizures. Brain scans done with an MRI often show changes in the brain signals associated with the limbic structures.

A person suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience a stiff neck.
A person suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience a stiff neck.

Treatment of limbic encephalitis depends on the cause of the disease. Viral infections may be treated with anti-viral medications to help clear the infection. In cases where an autoimmune response is to blame, immunosuppressive drugs can often be helpful. For those with PLE, treatment of the cancer causing the antibodies often plays a role as well.

Discussion Comments

laughlion56

West Nile virus can cause encephalitis which causes the brain to swell. Bust most people who contract the West Nile virus show no symptoms at all. West Nile virus signs and symptoms include a fever, headache, rash, joint pain, vomiting and diarrhea. People who also acquire the neurological illness such as encephalitis will have other symptoms such as a stiff neck, confusion, coma, seizures and more.

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    • An infection in the brain that attacks the limbic system can lead to limbic encephalitis.
      By: Athanasia Nomikou
      An infection in the brain that attacks the limbic system can lead to limbic encephalitis.
    • Neurologists often use MRIs to detect abnormal swelling in the patient's limbic system.
      By: Tryfonov
      Neurologists often use MRIs to detect abnormal swelling in the patient's limbic system.
    • Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis may occur in patients with cancers of the testes.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis may occur in patients with cancers of the testes.
    • A person suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience a stiff neck.
      By: Laurin Rinder
      A person suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience a stiff neck.
    • Patients suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience fever.
      By: tab62
      Patients suffering from limbic encephalitis may experience fever.
    • Small cell carcinoma of the lungs may cause PLE.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Small cell carcinoma of the lungs may cause PLE.