Overview
Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy is a rare condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, leading to seizures (epilepsy) along with signs of inflammation and autoimmune problems in other parts of the body. In this condition, the immune system, which normally protects you from infections, becomes overactive and damages healthy tissues, including nerve cells in the brain. This can cause repeated seizures, problems with thinking and memory, and sometimes other autoimmune symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, or problems with other organs. The seizures in this condition can vary widely — some people have brief episodes of staring or confusion, while others may have full-body convulsions. Because the underlying cause is immune-related, standard anti-seizure medications alone may not fully control the epilepsy. Treatment often involves a combination of anti-epileptic drugs and therapies that calm down the immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or other immunosuppressive medications. Early recognition and treatment of the autoimmune component is important because it may help reduce seizure frequency and prevent further brain damage. The course of the disease can vary from person to person, and ongoing monitoring by a team of specialists is usually needed.
Key symptoms:
Seizures or convulsionsMemory problemsDifficulty concentrating or thinking clearlyFatigue and low energyMood changes such as anxiety or depressionInvoluntary muscle movements or jerksSkin rashesJoint pain or swellingHeadachesSpeech or language difficultiesBehavioral changesFever or unexplained inflammationSensitivity to light or soundSleep disturbances
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What type of autoimmune process is causing my seizures, and are there specific antibodies involved?,What combination of medications do you recommend, and what are the side effects?,How often will I need blood tests or imaging to monitor my condition?,Are there immunotherapy options that might help control my seizures better?,What should I do if I have a seizure that lasts longer than usual?,Will this condition affect my ability to work, drive, or attend school?,Are there clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?
Common questions about Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy
What is Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy?
Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy is a rare condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, leading to seizures (epilepsy) along with signs of inflammation and autoimmune problems in other parts of the body. In this condition, the immune system, which normally protects you from infections, becomes overactive and damages healthy tissues, including nerve cells in the brain. This can cause repeated seizures, problems with thinking and memory, and sometimes other autoimmune symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, or problems with other organs.
Which specialists treat Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy?
1 specialists and care centers treating Inflammatory and autoimmune disease with epilepsy are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.