Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile

What is an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test?

An autoimmune epilepsy profile test is a specialised blood test that detects specific antibodies in your blood that may be causing seizures due to an autoimmune reaction. These antibodies mistakenly attack healthy brain cells and their connections, leading to seizures and other neurological symptoms. This test helps doctors determine if your seizures are caused by your immune system attacking your brain, rather than other causes of epilepsy.

What does the Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test measure?

The test measures the presence and levels of specific autoantibodies that target different proteins in your brain:

• Surface antibodies that disrupt normal brain signalling (like NMDA, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPA, and GABA-B receptors)

• Intracellular antibodies that target proteins inside nerve cells (like Anti-Hu, Anti-Ri, Anti-Yo)

• Synaptic antibodies that affect communication between brain cells

• Antibodies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes linked to certain cancers

Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience certain symptoms that suggest autoimmune seizure disorders:

• Sudden onset of frequent seizures in a previously healthy person

• Seizures that don't respond well to standard epilepsy medications

• Memory problems, confusion, or personality changes alongside seizures

• New psychiatric symptoms like hallucinations or unusual behaviour

• Specific seizure types like brief facial and arm twitching

• Movement disorders or coordination problems

Who should get an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test?

This test is particularly important for specific groups of people:

• Adults with new-onset epilepsy that cannot be explained by brain scans

• Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy that doesn't improve with medication

• People with seizures accompanied by cognitive dysfunction or psychiatric symptoms

• Individuals with a personal or family history of autoimmune conditions

• Patients showing signs of limbic encephalitis or brainstem involvement

• Those with suspected paraneoplastic syndromes

Why is an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test done?

This test is done to identify if your seizures have a treatable autoimmune cause. Finding these specific antibodies can completely change your treatment approach from managing health conditions and symptoms to addressing the underlying immune system problem.

Importance of an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test

The autoimmune epilepsy profile test is clinically significant because it can transform your treatment journey. When the test identifies specific antibodies, it confirms that your immune system is causing your seizures. This discovery opens the door to immunotherapy treatments like steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, or plasma exchange.

These targeted treatments can significantly reduce or even stop seizures while improving cognitive symptoms - something that traditional epilepsy medications alone cannot achieve. Additionally, detecting certain antibodies may indicate the presence of underlying cancers such as breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, or germ cell tumours, enabling early cancer screening and treatment.

Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website. Select Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.

2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.

3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.

4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.

5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is home sample collection for Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test available near you?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the autoimmune epilepsy profile test. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood collection. With proper sample handling and transport protocols, you receive the same accurate results as lab visits. Metropolis Healthcare's extensive network ensures reliable home collection services are accessible in most locations, making healthcare truly convenient for you.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Report?

Reports are usually available on the same day by 9:00 PM once the sample reaches the pathology lab.

Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location.

Where can I see or get Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare app to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Results

What Your Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Results May Indicate

The following table outlines some of the 13 parameters to help interpret your test results:

Conditions that May Affect Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your autoimmune epilepsy profile test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Immunosuppressive medications like steroids or chemotherapy can reduce antibody levels

• Recent plasma exchange or immunoglobulin therapy may temporarily lower antibody concentrations

• Early stages of autoimmune conditions may show negative results despite symptoms

• Sample timing relative to symptom onset can affect antibody detection

• Certain medications for epilepsy or other neurological conditions may interfere with results

• Recent infections or vaccinations might temporarily affect immune system markers

How is an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Done?

The autoimmune epilepsy profile test involves a straightforward blood collection process:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic

• An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make veins more visible

• A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect 3 ml of blood into a special tube

• Your blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using immunofluorescence assay and immunoblot techniques

• Results are processed and reported within the same day

How Should You Prepare for an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test?

Preparing for your autoimmune epilepsy profile test is simple and straightforward:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test

• Continue medications: Don't stop any prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise

• Inform about treatments: Tell your doctor about any recent immunotherapy or steroid treatments

• Provide clinical history: Share your seizure patterns, symptoms, and medical history with your healthcare provider

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to make blood collection easier

Diseases that an Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Can Help Detect

This comprehensive test can help identify several neurological autoimmune disorders:

• Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

• Limbic encephalitis

• Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes

• Autoimmune seizure disorders

• Cerebellar degeneration

• Brainstem encephalitis

• Peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndromes

• Cancer-associated neurological disorders

Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following table shows related tests and packages available for comprehensive neurological evaluation:

Autoimmune Epilepsy Profile Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an autoimmune epilepsy profile test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.