Neurologic autoimmune diseases refer to a group of disorders characterized by abnormal immune responses that target and damage the nervous system. The immune system, which typically protects the body against foreign invaders, mistakenly identifies components of the nervous system as foreign and launches an immune attack. This leads to inflammation and destruction of the nervous tissue, resulting in a range of neurological symptoms.
These diseases can affect various parts of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the neuromuscular junction. Examples of neurologic autoimmune diseases include multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), autoimmune encephalitis, and myasthenia gravis.
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of electrical signals and causing symptoms such as motor and sensory disturbances, fatigue, and difficulties with coordination and balance.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is characterized by an immune attack on the peripheral nerves, resulting in weakness, numbness, and tingling, which can progress to paralysis.
Autoimmune encephalitis involves inflammation of the brain caused by an immune response against specific brain proteins, leading to psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and cognitive impairments.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles due to antibodies targeting and interfering with communication at the neuromuscular junction.
Treatment for neurologic autoimmune diseases aims to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation, using medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other supportive measures are often utilized to manage individual symptoms and improve quality of life.
