Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis targets the basal ganglia
In some cases, infections can trigger a type of autoimmune encephalitis that targets the basal ganglia region of the brain. This can lead to a range of movement, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive symptoms – which are often treatment-resistant.
Patients with this form of autoimmune encephalitis (sometimes referred to as basal ganglia encephalitis) may suddenly develop tics, seizure-like movements, OCD behaviors or severe mood swings.) Unfortunately, the underlying autoimmune cause often goes unrecognized, and many are misdiagnosed with a primary neuropsychiatric illness, delaying effective treatment.
Identifying autoimmune activity affecting the brain
With the Autoimmune Brain Panel™
The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ (formerly the Cunningham Panel™) is a specialized test designed to detect whether a patient with neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms may be suffering from a type of autoimmune encephalitis that targets the basal ganglia region of the brain.
The Panel includes 5 blood tests which assist clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms potentially caused by an abnormal immune response. Elevated results suggest that the patient’s symptoms may be linked to an autoimmune dysfunction, rather than a primary neurologic or psychiatric disorder.

Dr. Tania Dempsey talks about which patients might benefit from testing and how the Panel can provide valuable insights for guiding treatment.
(Note: The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is known formerly as the Cunningham Panel™)

- Multiple neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms
- Sudden or dramatic behavior changes
- Tics, OCD, anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Brain fog, fatigue, or cognitive issues
- Seizures without a known cause

- A known or suspected infection (i.e., strep, Mycoplasma, EBV, Lyme)

- They didn’t work,
- They made symptoms worse, or
- You feel like they’re only addressing the surface—not the root cause





- Immunomodulatory therapy (i.e., antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatories, steroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis etc.)
- Focused workup for autoimmune encephalitis or neuroinflammation
Grace’s personality changed almost overnight. She developed OCD, anxiety, mood swings and was prone to uncontrollable rages. The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ uncovered the reason—an infection-driven autoimmune dysfunction.
(Note: The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is known formerly as the Cunningham Panel™)
Dopamine D1 Receptor Antibodies
Individuals with elevated levels of autoantibodies against Dopamine D1 receptor typically experienced psychiatric symptoms, including psychosis. Other symptoms included: mood dysregulation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, irritability, aggression and rage behavior.
Dopamine D2 Receptor Antibodies
Individuals with elevated levels of autoantibodies against Dopamine D2 receptor typically experienced movement disorders and impulsivity. Other symptoms included: chorea, chorea form movements, hyperactivity, tremors and involuntary movements.
Lysoganglioside GM1 Antibodies
Individuals with elevated levels of autoantibodies against Lysoganglioside GM1 typically experienced neuropathic symptoms, including tics. Other symptoms included: neuropathy, joint pain, connective tissue problems, tics and headaches.
Tubulin Antibodies
Individuals with elevated levels of autoantibodies against Tubulin typically experienced cognitive complaints, OCD and brain fog. Other symptoms included: poor concentration and memory problems.
CaMKII – A Cell Stimulation Assay
Individuals with elevated CaMKII levels were often positive with involuntary movements and any symptom of adrenergic activation. Other symptoms included: fight or flight behaviors, sensory abnormalities, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood instability, enuresis and mydriasis.
References
- Moleculera Biosciences Clinical Laboratory Patient Population Analysis.
Dr. Craig Shimasaki reviews with case of a 16-year-old girl with severe OCD, tics, cognitive difficulties and mood swings whose symptoms resolved after proper diagnosis and treatment.

Only Test of Its Kind
Getting to the root cause - Autoimmune Brain Panel™
For patients who have been chronically ill and searching for answers, the Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is offering new hope—transforming care, guiding treatment and making recovery possible.
It is the only test of its kind that assists clinicians in identifying and treating patients with neurologic and psychiatric symptoms caused by an infection-triggered autoimmune dysfunction.
Testing is simple. And involves a single blood draw.