What is Hashimota's encephalopathy?
Hashimota encephalopathy is a rare brain disorder that can produce a number of symptoms in patients that may include seizures, tremor or even coma. This disorder is associated with hasorian thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which patients have an abundance of antibodies against thyroid protein in their serum. Most Hashimoto encephalopathy patients improve after corticosteroid treatment and/or thyroid drugs. The iodide molecules that are accepted in the diet are collected in the thyroid gland and are transformed into iodine with thyroid enzyme gland peroxidase. Jod is incorporated into the thyroglobulin molecule and consists of two different thyroid hormones. These hormones affect many different types of cells and serve to increase the speed of metabolism and maintain body temperature.
Hashimot's thyroiditis develops when white blood cells begin to attack the thyroid gland. This autoimmune disorder causes patients to feel tired and unable to tolerate low temperatures. The diagnosis is basedon the presence of serum antibodies against thyroid enzyme peroxidase (TPO) and on the hormone of thyglobulin (TG). Patients may also have low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism that requires the treatment of thyroid hormones.
encephalopathy is a term used to describe any brain disorder. Symptoms of Hashimoto encephalopathy differ, but may include seizures, memory loss and language skills. Patients can also experience mood and behavior changes and a reduced range of attention. Because these symptoms may be generated by other neurological disorders, solid diagnosis of Hashimoto encephalopathy would require a complete history of patients along with blood work.
Blood tests would provide doctors anindication of thyroid hormones and the presence of antibodies against thyroid proteins TPO and TG. The doctor can also order testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PacEnti with hashimoto encephalopathy usually has elevated levels of protein in CSF. Electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain activity, can also be useful in the exclusion of other sources of any seizures.
As soon as the diagnosis of Hashimota encephalopathy has been confirmed, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. Corticosteroids usually reduce the immune response and slow the production of antibodies against thyrenice. If the patient also has hypothyroidism, treatment of thyroid hormones may be necessary for the rest of the patient's life. Many patients see a reduction in neurological symptoms after treatment.