What Is an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF?

The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF is a specialised neurological test that examines your cerebrospinal fluid to detect specific antibodies that mistakenly attack your brain cells. These antibodies indicate autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where the immune system targets the brain, leading to inflammation, seizures, confusion, memory loss or behavioural changes.

This test checks for antibodies such as NMDA, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPA and GABA B to identify the type of autoimmune encephalitis and guide accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The test requires a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample, which is collected through a lumbar puncture in a medical facility.

What Does an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Measure?

The test measures specific IgG autoantibodies that attack proteins on the surface of brain cells, disrupting normal nerve communication. It helps to:

• Identify antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis
• Distinguish autoimmune causes from infectious or metabolic brain inflammation
• Detect paraneoplastic neurological syndromes caused by tumours
• Guide targeted immunotherapy and tumour screening
• Monitor disease activity and response to treatment

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience unexplained neurological or psychiatric symptoms such as:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Seizures without an obvious cause
• Behavioural changes, hallucinations or psychosis
• Movement or speech difficulties
• Sudden mood changes or disorientation
• Muscle weakness or difficulty breathing

Who Should Get an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF?

This test is suitable for:

• Individuals with suspected autoimmune or paraneoplastic encephalitis
• People with unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Patients with a history of cancer linked to autoimmune brain inflammation
• Children or adults with rapidly progressing neurological symptoms
• Individuals whose blood antibody tests are negative but symptoms persist

Why Is an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Done?

This test helps confirm whether antibodies are causing inflammation in the brain. It allows doctors to differentiate autoimmune encephalitis from infections or metabolic disorders and start treatment early to prevent long term neurological damage.

Importance of an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF

Autoimmune encephalitis is serious but treatable if identified early. The CSF panel plays a vital role by providing direct evidence of brain targeting antibodies. It helps to:

• Enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
• Identify the specific type of autoimmune encephalitis
• Guide effective therapy such as steroids, IVIG or plasma exchange
• Monitor progress and treatment response
• Detect tumours associated with paraneoplastic syndromes

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Booking and Reports – Metropolis Healthcare

How to Book the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF and Get Your Reports

1. Simple Online Booking
   You can book this test on the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Select Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF, choose your preferred lab and book your appointment.
2. CSF Sample Collection at a Medical Facility
   The test requires a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) performed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic. Home sample collection is not available.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   You can track your test progress through the Metropolis Healthcare portal.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is analysed in NABL and CAP accredited laboratories using advanced Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) technology for precise results.
5. Quick and Reliable Reports
   Reports are delivered the next day via email, WhatsApp or can be downloaded from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Available Near You?

No, home sample collection is not available for this test. As the test requires cerebrospinal fluid collection by a lumbar puncture, it can only be performed in a clinical setting by a trained doctor.

In How Much Time Will I Get the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Report?

Reports are usually available the next day after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary depending on your location.

Where Can I See or Get Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Results?

You can access your reports easily through:

• The Metropolis Healthcare website using your login credentials
• The Metropolis Healthcare mobile app
• Email or WhatsApp
• A physical copy from your nearest Metropolis laboratory

Interpreting Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Results

What Your Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Results May Indicate

Understanding Abnormal Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Results by Parameter

How Should You Prepare for an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF?

Prepare for your test by following these steps:

• No fasting required, you can eat and drink normally before the procedure.
• Provide your complete medical and neurological history to your doctor.
• Inform your doctor about all medicines, especially steroids or immunosuppressants.
• Stay hydrated unless advised otherwise.
• Understand that the sample will be collected in a hospital setting through a lumbar puncture.

How Is an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Done (Step-by-Step Procedure)

The test involves safe collection of cerebrospinal fluid by a trained professional:

• Preparation: You will lie on your side or sit upright and your lower back will be cleaned with antiseptic.
• Local anaesthetic: A numbing injection is given to make the procedure comfortable.
• Sample collection: A thin sterile needle is inserted between the lower spinal bones to collect around 2 ml of CSF.
• Completion: The needle is removed and a small dressing is applied. You may be asked to rest briefly afterward.
• Processing: The CSF sample is analysed using Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) to detect specific antibodies.

Conditions That May Affect Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Accuracy

Some factors can influence your test results:

• Active or recent infection can alter immune response.
• Immunosuppressive drugs may reduce detectable antibody levels.
• Poor sample handling or insufficient sample quantity can affect accuracy.
• Timing of collection in relation to disease onset may impact detection.

Diseases That an Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel CSF Can Help Detect

This test assists in diagnosing:

• Autoimmune encephalitis (NMDA, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPA or GABA B types)
• Limbic encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes
• Morvan’s syndrome
• Neuromyotonia
• Autoimmune seizure disorders