Svar Life Science

February 19, 2021

We’re supporting World Encephalitis Day!

On February 22nd 2021, we're putting focus on encephalitis.

By engaging in the World Encephalitis day, we hope to increase global awareness of encephalitis, both infectious and Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE). By doing do save lives and build a better future.

World Encephalitis Day is the global awareness day for people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis.

Founded by The Encephalitis Society in the UK in 2014, the Awareness Day is held on February 22 each year and has reached over 186 million people through media features, events and social media.

February 19, 2021

We’re supporting World Encephalitis Day!

On February 22nd 2021, we're putting focus on encephalitis.

By engaging in the World Encephalitis day, we hope to increase global awareness of encephalitis, both infectious and Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE). By doing do save lives and build a better future.

World Encephalitis Day is the global awareness day for people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis.

Founded by The Encephalitis Society in the UK in 2014, the Awareness Day is held on February 22 each year and has reached over 186 million people through media features, events and social media.
500K

People are affected by encephalitis globally each year 

78%
of people across the world do not know what encephalitis is
 
49M
People reached during our 2019 World Encephalitis Day campaign

WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALITIS?

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain (Autoimmune encephalitis (AE)).

It is a rare, complex disease that can cause rapid changes in both physical and mental health. Anybody can be affected of encephalitis, irrespective of age, gender, or ethnicity.

It has a high death rate and survivors are often left with an acquired brain injury and life changing consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimizing both short- and long-term complications of this disease.

Certain forms of encephalitis may be associated with some types of tumors, particularly ovarian tumors.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information about Encephalitis, patient stories and how you can contribute on World Encephalitis Day, please go to: https://www.encephalitis.info

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

AE was recognized as a disease relatively recently. Because of this, some doctors may not be familiar with this condition, and it may be misdiagnosed as a psychiatric or neurological disorder.

Symptoms often vary from patient to patient. They can include a sudden decline in work or school performance, loss of the ability to speak, abnormal body movements or seizures, vision loss, weakness of the arms or legs, and sleep problems. Psychiatric manifestations can range from anxiety and mood changes to psychosis with hallucinations, delusions, or catatonia. The symptoms typically develop quickly over weeks to a few months. Long-standing psychiatric issues (for many months or years) are not a sign of AE.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of AE is best made by a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Diagnosis requires a thorough history and physical exam, as well as lab studies, imaging, brain MRI and an EEG (measuring brain waves). Other causes of brain inflammation, such as infection, must be ruled out before a diagnosis of AE can be made.

TREATMENT

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive medications are typically used to control the inflammation in the brain.
If a tumor is found, surgically removing it can significantly improve the patient’s AE.

Once the underlying encephalitis is controlled, long-term rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, may help patients regain function.

HOW CAN WE AT WIESLAB BE OF HELP?

Since it is difficult to know exactly what antibody that causes the symptoms of AE, Wieslab Diagnostic Services offer test panels/packages for the suspicion of different AE’s and Paraneoplastic Syndromes (>10 different panels).

We also have a wide range of individual tests (> 35) for detection of specific antigens/autoantibodies.

We provide answers - test results within 24 hours

For selected indications, such as AE, where fast results are important for disease diagnosis and treatment decisions, we provide urgent testing service. Through our urgent testing the doctor can get the test result within 24h which is of importance if the symptoms are acute and the patients is hospitalized.

Benefit from our expertise, flexible solutions, personalized relationships and exceptional customer service - talk to us about your testing needs today!

Contact us!

Find more answers related to
Autoimmune Encephalitis

Overview of Laboratory Tests & Algorithm - Autoimmune Encephalitis
Overview of Laboratory Tests - Autoimmune Encephalitis 2

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Autoimmune Encephalitis, Paraneoplastic syndrome, and Cerebellar Ataxia