Researchers have identified a spectrum of 18 distinct diseases triggered by the immune system attacking the brain.
These diseases can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, and in some cases, even psychosis.
Similar to other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus, these autoimmune brain inflammations, known as encephalitides, arise when antibodies mistakenly target the body’s own tissues, including anti-NMDA receptors. These antibodies may originate within the brain itself or enter from the bloodstream. They then bind to specific structures on the surface of neurons or within the synapses between them, disrupting brain function and initiating a cascade of inflammatory processes. These discoveries have implications for diagnostics and therapeutics.
This interesting article was published in Science: https://www.science.org/content/article/inflamed-brain-can-trigger-psychosis-search-patients-might-cured