Advances In The Understanding Of Autoimmune Encephalitides And Associated Movement Disorders In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$68,832.00
Summary
Encephalitis in childhood can be devastating with long lasting effects and mortality. This research focuses on children who suffer from encephalitis due to an autoimmune process. In such cases many children present with involuntary abnormal body movements. This project will explore whether differences in the nature of these movements or in electroencephalography or brain imaging with MRI, can help early differentiation of different types of autoimmune encephalitis.
Identification And Early Treatment Of Autoimmune Brain Disease In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,491.00
Summary
Acquired brain injury affects 2% of Australians, particularly young people, and can result in permanent disability. Most acquired brain injury is not reversible, however ‘autoimmune brain disease' is due to an overactive immune system and is treatable with modulation of the immune system. By measuring antibodies in the blood, this fellowship will result in early identification and treatment of autoimmune brain disease, and improve outcomes.
Encephalitis is a common cause of neurological disability in young adults and adolescents. We have identified a subgroup of encephalitis which is due to the patient's own immune system attacking the brain. Our study will identify the earliest immune responses against the brain in children with encephalitis. Identifying these early immune responses in people with encephalitis will allow early and directed treatments to prevent disability and death in the future.