Ask the Expert On-Demand Webinar: Autoimmune Epilepsy: Dilemmas and Challenges With The Diagnostic Work Up-Ask the Expert On-Demand Webinar: Autoimmune Epilepsy: Dilemmas and Challenges With The Diagnostic Work Up

Ask the Expert On-Demand Webinar: Autoimmune Epilepsy: Dilemmas and Challenges With The Diagnostic Work Up

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The "Ask the Expert" webinar on autoimmune epilepsy explored diagnostic challenges and approaches, focusing on discerning autoimmune causes of seizures. Dr. Jai Singh Singh and Dr. Claude Stade led the discussion, highlighting the importance of identifying autoimmune epilepsy due to its potential responsiveness to immune-targeted treatments. Key diagnostic tools like the APE and ACES scores were analyzed for their efficacy in predicting neural autoantibodies, particularly in distinguishing typical and atypical epilepsy presentations. The discussion emphasized perisylvian semiology in autoimmune epilepsy, noting that certain seizure characteristics and patient histories, like late-onset epilepsy and cognitive disturbances, should trigger further autoimmune testing. The experts also debated the complexities surrounding seronegative cases, where autoimmune status is suspected despite negative antibody panels. Treatment challenges, particularly in cases of high seizure burdens despite immune therapies, were noted, with neuromodulation being an alternative. Throughout, clinicians were advised on when to perform lumbar punctures and how to interpret autoimmune markers, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of diagnosing and managing autoimmune epilepsy.

Keywords

autoimmune epilepsy

diagnostic challenges

immune-targeted treatments

APE and ACES scores

perisylvian semiology

seronegative cases

neuromodulation

lumbar punctures

cognitive disturbances