AboutKidsHealth

 

 

Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)AAntibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)EnglishImmunologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)BrainImmune systemConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2013-05-13T04:00:00Z13.800000000000025.8000000000000516.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Learn what antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disorders are and how they are diagnosed.</p><h2>What are antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disorders?</h2><p>In antibody-mediated inflammatory disease, B cells (unique white blood cells) produce antibodies against the body's own structures; these are called autoantibodies. When autoantibodies bind to these structures, they induce unnecessary inflammation that is directed against healthy tissue. Autoantibodies directed against structures in the brain lead to irritation and swelling of brain tissue. If not treated, long standing inflammation can lead to permanent brain damage and dysfunction.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title">Antibody-mediated normal immune </span> <span class="asset-image-title">response</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_antibody_mediated_normal_immune_response_EN.jpg" alt="Bacteria and virus enter the body, antibodies “mark” these as bad, immune cells attack the harmful things" /> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Your</figcaption> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption"> body’s immune system produces antibodies to "mark" harmful things that enters your body. Special immune cells know what to attack by finding antibodies attached to the surface of these harmful things.</figcaption> </figure><h2>Key points</h2> <ul> <li>In antibody-mediated inflammatory disease, antibodies are produced that act against the body's own structures. When this happens against structures in the brain this can lead to irritation and swelling of brain tissue. </li> <li>Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease is diagnosed using signs and symptoms, analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, an electroencephalogram and imaging such as an MRI or angiogram.</li> </ul><h2>Diagnosing antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease </h2><h3>Signs and symptoms</h3><p>First, your doctor will thoroughly explore your child's medical history including their current symptoms. They will also complete a full physical exam, neurological, neurocognitive and psychiatric assessment to see what particular signs of brain <a href="/Article?contentid=926&language=English">inflammation</a> are present, for example cognitive dysfunction, movement abnormalities, memory recall, speech impediment, etc. This will help the doctor understand what parts of the central nervous system are affected. </p><h3>Blood test and spinal tap</h3><p>Following the initial clinical assessment, the doctor will request a blood sample and a sample of your child's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the latter obtained through a spinal tap. Your child's blood and CSF will be analyzed for various inflammatory markers, proteins and autoantibodies. The presence of neuronal autoantibodies in the blood and/or CSF is critical to the diagnosis of antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease.</p><h3>Electroencephalogram (EEG)</h3><p>An <a href="/Article?contentid=1277&language=English">EEG (Electroencephalogram)</a> measures the brain's electrical activity. Abnormalities in brain waves are indicative of changes in brain function. EEGs are used over a period of time to measure improvements in brain activity and to assess how well the brain is working. This is often used in the diagnostic work-up in order to identify tangible changes in brain function.</p><h3>Imaging</h3><p>An <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1270&language=English">MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)</a> is an imaging procedure that uses radio waves and a large magnet to take pictures of the brain. An MRI provides doctors with information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan with the added advantage of emitting zero radiation. MRI findings will vary depending on what antibody is in your child's brain. Classic MRI abnormalities are seen in neuromyelitis, but are often normal in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Therefore, it is possible to have antibody-mediated inflammatory disease despite normal findings on MRI.</p><p>An <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2440&language=English">angiogram</a> provides information regarding the amount of lumen in the blood vessels and the condition of the vessel walls. Angiographies are most helpful in the diagnosis of <a href="/Article?contentid=914&language=English">CNS vasculitis</a> and often appear normal in antibody-mediated inflammatory brain conditions.</p>
Maladie inflammatoire du cerveau liée à la présence d’anticorps (diagnostic)MMaladie inflammatoire du cerveau liée à la présence d’anticorps (diagnostic)Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)FrenchImmunologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)BrainImmune systemConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2013-05-13T04:00:00Z14.000000000000025.0000000000000499.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Découvrez ce que sont les maladies inflammatoires du cerveau, liées à la présence d’anticorps et comment elles sont diagnostiquées.</p><h2>​​En quoi consistent les maladies inflammatoires du cerveau liées à la présence d’anticorps?</h2><p>Chez les personnes atteintes de ces maladies, les lymphocytes B (qui sont des globules blancs particuliers) produisent des anticorps ciblant les structures mêmes du corps. Lorsque les anticorps, nommés auto anticorps, se lient à ces structures, elles entraînent une inflammation anormale des tissus sains. Les auto anticorps se fixant aux structures du cerveau y provoquent l’irritation et l’enflure des tissus. Si elle n’est pas soignée, une inflammation de longue durée peut causer un dommage et un dysfonctionnement permanent du cerveau.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title">Réponse immunitaire normale en présence d'éléments nuisibles</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_antibody_mediated_normal_immune_response_FR.jpg" alt="Les anticorps marquent les éléments nuisibles dans le corps et les cellules immunitaires s’attaquent aux élément nuisibles" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Votre système immunitaire produit des anticorps pour « marquer » les éléments nuisibles qui pénètrent dans votre corps. Les cellules immunitaires spéciales savent à quoi s'attaquer, car les anticorps se sont fixés à la surface des éléments nuisibles. </figcaption></figure> <h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>En ce qui a trait aux maladies inflammatoires du cerveau liées à la présence d’anticorps, les anticorps s’attaquent aux structures mêmes de l’organisme. Quand ces anticorps s’attaquent aux structures du cerveau, une irritation et une inflammation du tissu cérébral peuvent en résulter.</li><li>Les maladies inflammatoires du cerveau liées à la présence d’anticorps sont diagnostiquées en observant les signes et les symptômes, des analyses de sang et d’échantillons de liquide cérébro-spinal, un électroencéphalogramme et des techniques d’imagerie comme l’IRM ou un angiogramme.</li></ul><h2>Le diagnostic de la maladie inflammatoire du cerveau liée à la présence d’anticorps</h2><h3>Signes et symptômes</h3><p>Le médecin commencera par examiner soigneusement les antécédents médicaux de votre enfant et ses symptômes actuels. Il effectuera également un examen clinique complet ainsi qu’une évaluation neurologique, neurocognitive et psychiatrique pour déterminer les signes présents d’<a href="/article?contentid=926&language=French">inflammation</a> du cerveau (dysfonctionnement cognitif, anomalies des mouvements, mémoire, trouble de la parole, etc.). Ces examens l’aideront à comprendre quelles parties du système nerveux central sont touchées.</p><h3>Analyse de sang et ponction lombaire</h3><p>Après l’évaluation clinique initiale, le médecin demandera un échantillon de sang et un échantillon du liquide céphalorachidien (LCR) de votre enfant. L’échantillon de LCR est prélevé par ponction lombaire. Le sang et le LCR de votre enfant seront analysés pour y déceler différents marqueurs d’inflammation, protéines et autoanticorps. La présence ​d’autoanticorps neuronaux dans le sang ou le LCR est essentielle au diagnostic de maladie inflammatoire du cerveau liée à la présence d’anticorps.</p><h3>Électroencéphalogramme</h3><p>L'<a href="/article?contentid=1277&language=French">électroencéphalogramme </a>(EEG) mesure l’activité électrique du cerveau. Des ondes cérébrales anormales sont le signe de changements dans la fonction cérébrale. Les EEG sont utilisés pendant une période donnée pour mesurer les améliorations de l’activité cérébrale et évaluer le fonctionnement du cerveau. Dans le bilan diagnostique, ils servent souvent à mettre en évidence des changements concrets dans la fonction cérébrale.</p><h3>Imagerie</h3><p>L’<a href="/article?contentid=1270&language=French">imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM)</a> est un procédé d’imagerie qui permet de prendre des photos du cerveau à l’aide d’ondes radioélectriques et d’un gros aimant. L’IRM fournit aux médecins des renseignements qu’il n’est pas possible d’obtenir par radiographie ni tomodensitométrie (TDM) et elle a l’avantage de ne pas émettre de rayonnement. Les résultats de l’IRM dépendent de l’anticorps présent dans le cerveau de l’enfant. Des anomalies classiques sont visibles à l’IRM en cas de neuromyélite, mais souvent absentes chez les patients atteints d’encéphalite à anticorps antirécepteurs NMDA. Il est donc possible d’avoir une maladie inflammatoire liée à la présence d’anticorps malgré des résultats normaux à l’IRM.</p><p>L'<a href="/article?contentid=2440&language=French">angiogramme</a> renseigne sur la largeur de la lumière des vaisseaux sanguins et l’état des parois vasculaires. Les angiographies sont utiles surtout dans le diagnostic de la <a href="/article?contentid=914&language=French">vascularite du SNC</a> et sont souvent normales chez les patients atteints d’une maladie inflammatoire du cerveau liée à la présence d’anticorps.​</p>

 

 

 

 

Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)928.000000000000Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)AEnglishImmunologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)BrainImmune systemConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2013-05-13T04:00:00Z13.800000000000025.8000000000000516.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Learn what antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disorders are and how they are diagnosed.</p><h2>What are antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disorders?</h2><p>In antibody-mediated inflammatory disease, B cells (unique white blood cells) produce antibodies against the body's own structures; these are called autoantibodies. When autoantibodies bind to these structures, they induce unnecessary inflammation that is directed against healthy tissue. Autoantibodies directed against structures in the brain lead to irritation and swelling of brain tissue. If not treated, long standing inflammation can lead to permanent brain damage and dysfunction.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title">Antibody-mediated normal immune </span> <span class="asset-image-title">response</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_antibody_mediated_normal_immune_response_EN.jpg" alt="Bacteria and virus enter the body, antibodies “mark” these as bad, immune cells attack the harmful things" /> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Your</figcaption> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption"> body’s immune system produces antibodies to "mark" harmful things that enters your body. Special immune cells know what to attack by finding antibodies attached to the surface of these harmful things.</figcaption> </figure><h2>Key points</h2> <ul> <li>In antibody-mediated inflammatory disease, antibodies are produced that act against the body's own structures. When this happens against structures in the brain this can lead to irritation and swelling of brain tissue. </li> <li>Antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease is diagnosed using signs and symptoms, analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, an electroencephalogram and imaging such as an MRI or angiogram.</li> </ul><h2>Diagnosing antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease </h2><h3>Signs and symptoms</h3><p>First, your doctor will thoroughly explore your child's medical history including their current symptoms. They will also complete a full physical exam, neurological, neurocognitive and psychiatric assessment to see what particular signs of brain <a href="/Article?contentid=926&language=English">inflammation</a> are present, for example cognitive dysfunction, movement abnormalities, memory recall, speech impediment, etc. This will help the doctor understand what parts of the central nervous system are affected. </p><h3>Blood test and spinal tap</h3><p>Following the initial clinical assessment, the doctor will request a blood sample and a sample of your child's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the latter obtained through a spinal tap. Your child's blood and CSF will be analyzed for various inflammatory markers, proteins and autoantibodies. The presence of neuronal autoantibodies in the blood and/or CSF is critical to the diagnosis of antibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease.</p><h3>Electroencephalogram (EEG)</h3><p>An <a href="/Article?contentid=1277&language=English">EEG (Electroencephalogram)</a> measures the brain's electrical activity. Abnormalities in brain waves are indicative of changes in brain function. EEGs are used over a period of time to measure improvements in brain activity and to assess how well the brain is working. This is often used in the diagnostic work-up in order to identify tangible changes in brain function.</p><h3>Imaging</h3><p>An <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1270&language=English">MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)</a> is an imaging procedure that uses radio waves and a large magnet to take pictures of the brain. An MRI provides doctors with information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan with the added advantage of emitting zero radiation. MRI findings will vary depending on what antibody is in your child's brain. Classic MRI abnormalities are seen in neuromyelitis, but are often normal in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Therefore, it is possible to have antibody-mediated inflammatory disease despite normal findings on MRI.</p><p>An <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2440&language=English">angiogram</a> provides information regarding the amount of lumen in the blood vessels and the condition of the vessel walls. Angiographies are most helpful in the diagnosis of <a href="/Article?contentid=914&language=English">CNS vasculitis</a> and often appear normal in antibody-mediated inflammatory brain conditions.</p>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_antibody_mediated_normal_immune_response_EN.jpgAntibody-mediated inflammatory brain disease (diagnosis)False

Thank you to our sponsors

AboutKidsHealth is proud to partner with the following sponsors as they support our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Canada and around the world by making accessible health care information available via the internet.

Our Sponsors

Find and follow us online
Monthly newsletter sign-up