Autoimmune encephalitis: investigations
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Autoimmune encephalitis: investigations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, Electroencephalogram (EEG). Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Main investigations
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan brain: if MRI is normal
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- Brain biopsy
Paraneoplastic screen
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Autoantibody tests
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Other tests
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References
- Abboud H, Probasco JC, Irani S, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis: proposed best practice recommendations for diagnosis and acute management. JNNP 2021; 92:757-768.
- Abboud H, Probasco J, Irani SR, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis: proposed recommendations for symptomatic and long-term management. JNNP 2021; 92:897-907.
- Konen FF, Bucak E, Bachhuber F, et al. Kappa free light chain for diagnosis and neurofilament light chain for prognosis in autoimmune encephalitis. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2026; 13:e200630.
