What does it do to the brain?
The toll on everyday life and relationships
- concentration and attention
- short-term memory
- processing speed (how quickly they can take in and respond to information)
- planning, organising and decision-making (known as executive function).
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It’s often misdiagnosed
- blood and spinal fluid tests to look for signs of inflammation or specific antibodies that target the brain
- MRI and PET brain scans to detect inflammation or changes in brain activity
- an electroencephalogram (EEG) to identify abnormal electrical activity or seizure patterns
- cognitive tests to assess thinking, attention, memory and problem-solving.
How is it treated?
- medications, such as steroids to reduce inflammation or immunoglobulin to calm the immune response
- anti-seizure medications, if the person experiences seizures
- cognitive rehabilitation, such as cognitive exercises, to help with thinking and memory
- psychological support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to deal with emotional changes.
