35-Year-Old Woman Treated for Rare Brain Disorder at KIMS Hospitals in Thane
A 35-year-old woman who had suffered from recurrent seizure-like episodes for nearly three months was diagnosed and successfully treated for a rare autoimmune brain disorder at KIMS Hospitals in Thane after doctors determined her condition was not conventional epilepsy.
The patient had previously consulted multiple hospitals and was receiving treatment for seizures while also undergoing evaluations for psychiatric symptoms. However, her abnormal movements persisted despite taking medication. After arriving at KIMS Hospitals, she developed severe convulsions during an MRI scan and required emergency intubation, mechanical ventilatory support, and intensive care management.
Dr Dipesh Pimple, Consultant Neurologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, suspected autoimmune encephalitis on the first day of her admission. The diagnosis was prompted by the observation that her seizure-like episodes were accompanied by behavioural symptoms, whereas repeated electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring did not reveal the electrical changes typically linked to epilepsy.
In cases of autoimmune encephalitis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells, causing inflammation and producing physical movements that closely resemble epileptic seizures.
"Autoimmune encephalitis is one of the most challenging neurological conditions because it can closely resemble epilepsy or even primary psychiatric illness," said Dr Pimple. "In this patient, the seizure pattern, normal EEG findings and behavioural symptoms did not fit the usual picture. Rather than waiting for every investigation to confirm the diagnosis, we relied on careful clinical assessment and initiated immunotherapy early."
The medical team administered high-dose intravenous steroids to halt the immune attack. As some abnormal movements continued, doctors subsequently provided intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy.
The treatment led to a rapid response, resulting in a significant decrease in abnormal movements within two days of IVIG administration. The patient was gradually weaned off ventilatory support and moved out of the intensive care unit.
Following neurological rehabilitation, she regained physical strength, resumed independent walking and eating, and returned to daily activities. Doctors noted that she maintained sustained improvement with only occasional residual episodes during follow-up assessments.
According to medical experts, autoimmune encephalitis is a rare condition affecting an estimated one to two people per 10 lakh worldwide each year. Doctors highlighted that unexplained seizure-like episodes failing to respond to standard treatments warrant comprehensive neurological evaluations.
