What Is Hashimoto's Encephalopathy?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Krishna Haskar Dhanyamraju , Neurologists

Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder associated with chronic thyroiditis. It is a condition that affects the central nervous system, resulting in cognitive, psychiatric, and motor impairments.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for preventing long-term sequelae and improving patient prognosis.

What are the Hashimoto's Encephalopathy Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Early recognition of HE is important in order to prevent complications and provide treatment. The symptoms are diverse but often include effects on memory, behavior and coordination.

Common Symptoms

Severe Symptoms

Seizures
Hallucinations or psychosis
Severe mood swings or personality changes
Loss of coordination (ataxia)
Involuntary tremors

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Hashimoto's Encephalopathy?

Understanding the causes and risk factors helps in early detection and prevention.

Causes

Autoimmune reaction where antibodies attack brain tissue
Elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies
Cross-reactivity of thyroid antibodies with nervous system tissues

Risk Factors

Existing Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Family history of autoimmune diseases
Environmental triggers (infections, stress)
Female gender (more common in women)

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How Hashimoto's Encephalopathy is Diagnosed?

Due to the complexity of symptoms, diagnosis involves a multi-step approach including both clinical and laboratory tests.

Diagnostic Procedures

Blood Tests: Check for thyroid function (TSH, Free T4) and autoantibodies (especially anti-TPO).
EEG: May show abnormal brain activity or diffuse slowing.
MRI/CT Scans: Helps rule out other neurological conditions.
Clinical Evaluation: Full neurological and psychiatric assessment.

Medicover's Expertise

At Medicover, our integrated diagnostic services combine endocrinology, neurology, and psychiatry to accurately identify complex disorders like HE with care.

What are the Treatment Options for Hashimoto's Encephalopathy?

Treatment focuses on controlling the immune response and relieving neurological symptoms.

Main Treatments

Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone): First-line therapy to reduce brain inflammation.
Immunosuppressants (e.g., Azathioprine, Methotrexate): For patients unresponsive to steroids.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Essential in cases with hypothyroidism.

Symptom-Specific Care

Anticonvulsants: Manage seizures
Antidepressants or Antipsychotics: For mood or psychiatric symptoms
Physical Therapy: Improve coordination and motor function

Medicover Approach

We tailor each treatment plan through collaboration between our neurology, psychiatry, and endocrinology teams, ensuring complete care.

When to See a Doctor?

Timely medical attention can prevent serious complications.

If cognitive or psychiatric symptoms persist longer than a week
If new-onset seizures or tremors occur
For individuals with thyroid disease experiencing behavioral changes
If there's a family history of autoimmune conditions

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What is the Recovery Process After Hashimoto's Encephalopathy Treatment?

Recovery outcomes vary, but timely care greatly improves prognosis.

Follow-ups: Regular visits with neurology and endocrinology specialists
Lifestyle: Stress management, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet
Monitoring: Ongoing thyroid function tests and antibody levels

What Precautions Can Help Prevent Hashimoto's Encephalopathy?

Introduction of early intervention and preventive strategies can minimise risk and complications.

Prevention

Manage underlying thyroid disorders
Regular screening for thyroid antibodies in high-risk individuals
Reduce stress and avoid known environmental triggers

Complications

Irreversible neurological damage if untreated
Persistent cognitive or psychiatric symptoms
Long-term functional disability

Our Experience Treating Hashimoto's Encephalopathy

At Medicover, we are aware of the unique challenges associated with Hashimoto's Encephalopathy. Our multidisciplinary approach to treatment is designed to help our patients regain their brain health and overall physical well-being.

We believe in providing patient-centred, compassionate care and promoting long-term recovery for all our patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients recover well with corticosteroid treatment if diagnosed early. Ongoing care and follow-up help maintain remission and manage relapses if they occur.

Not always. Some patients have normal thyroid levels but still show elevated thyroid antibodies, which are key to diagnosis.

Yes, children can be affected, although it's more commonly seen in adults. Early diagnosis in children is important for better outcomes.

Treatment often lasts for several months and may include steroids or immune therapies, with regular monitoring to adjust medication as needed.

No, but it can mimic dementia, especially in older adults. Unlike true dementia, symptoms often improve significantly with proper treatment.

Yes, relapses can happen, which is why long-term follow-up and periodic assessments are recommended in hospitals with neurological expertise like Medicover.