Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels are widely expressed throughout the entire nervous system. These channels play a critical role in establishing the resting membrane potential and generation of neuronal action potentials. There is mounting evidence that autoantibodies reactive to neuronal cell surface antigens, such as voltage-gated potassium channels, play a pathogenic role in a wide spectrum of central and peripheral nervous system disorders. We report a case of new-onset drug-refractory seizure disorder associated with the presence of high levels of serum anti-voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies that responded only to immunotherapy. As demonstrated by this case report, anti-voltage-gated potassium channel antibody associated drug-refractory seizure disorder, although rare, should be considered in patients with unexplained adult-onset seizure activity. Once the diagnosis has been established the initiation of immunotherapy should be undertaken without delay.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Action Potentials / immunology
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Action Potentials / physiology
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Age of Onset
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
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Autoantibodies / immunology*
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Drug Resistance
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Electroencephalography / statistics & numerical data
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Epilepsy / drug therapy
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Epilepsy / immunology*
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Epilepsy / physiopathology*
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / immunology
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / therapy
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Follow-Up Studies
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Hippocampus / immunology
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Hippocampus / physiopathology
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Humans
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Immunotherapy / methods
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Limbic Encephalitis / diagnosis
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Limbic Encephalitis / immunology*
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Limbic Encephalitis / physiopathology*
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Membrane Potentials / immunology
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Membrane Potentials / physiology
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Middle Aged
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Neurons / immunology
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Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / immunology*
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Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / physiology
Substances
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Anticonvulsants
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Autoantibodies
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Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated