Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test

• The test is used in patients presenting with neurological and behavioural symptoms for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.
• Tests are useful in detecting the antibodies against different neurological receptors.
• NMDA: Antibodies against glutamate receptor (type NMDA - NR1) are specific markers for anti-glutamate receptor (type NMDA) encephalitis, an inflammatory encephalopathy autoimmune disease.
• AMPA : Test is done if patient has partial onset seizures or generalized tonic clonic seizures.
• GABA receptor: These receptors are responsible for signal transmission and associated autoimmunities manifest with seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• VGKC [LGI1]: LGI1 antibodies test help in diagnosis of autoimmune limbic encephalitis.

Autoimmune encephalitis panel includes 4 tests to detect the presence or absence of antibodies against NMDA receptors, AMPA (GluR1 & GluR2), GABA B receptor, and VGKC (LGI1, ASPR2)

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

• NMDA: Positive result may indicate risk of neurological disorder. Results should be correlated with the clinical findings.
• AMPA & GABA : Positive antibody result may indicate autoimmune neurological syndrome or certain paraneoplastic syndromes.
• LGI1: Presence of these antibodies are probably considered as most common cause of limbic encephalitis. All results should be correlated with the clinical findings.

Negative results do not rule out the disease and a clinician should be consulted for further treatment.