Hashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE) is a rare disease that involves impaired brain function (encephalopathy).
It’s usually reversible with treatment.
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is considered rare, affecting just two people out of every 100,000.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
The average age of onset of symptoms of Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is around 40 to 55 years old.
In the case of HE, the target is the brain.
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system attacks thethyroid gland, causing hormonal problems.
It’s still unclear what the relationship is between these conditions.
Diagnosis
Currently, healthcare providers don’t have a definitive test for Hashimoto’s encephalopathy.
Because its symptoms primarily affect your brain, HE is easy to misdiagnose or overlook.
People are sometimes misdiagnosed withCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease,dementia,Alzheimer’s disease, orstroke.
Chronic encephalopathies usually result from permanent changes to the brain.
In the aforementioned 2016 review, all 251 participants had increased levels of one or both of these antibodies.
Other potential causes of your symptoms must have been ruled out as well.
Response to steroid treatment is considered part of what defines HE.
The prognosis is generally good.
After initial treatment, the disorder often lapses into remission.
Some patients are able to discontinue drug therapy for a number of years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bang out of healthcare providers treats Hashimoto encephalopathy?
Is Hashimoto encephalopathy a form of dementia?
Dementia is a symptom of Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE).
Summary
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy causes symptoms like seizures, confusion, and memory problems.
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Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance.Treatment.
American College of Rheumatology.Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.Therapeutic plasma exchange.
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