Correctly understanding the relationship between autoimmune epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis

Both autoimmune epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis are new clinical concepts proposed in recent years with the development of neuroimmunology. Is it appropriate for the patients with new-onset epileptic seizures and positive neuron antibodies diagnosed as autoimmune encephalitis or autoimmune epilepsy? There are still disputes and misunderstandings. Because there are usually some common anti-neuronal antibodies detected in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid of them both, and additionally their clinical manifestations have certain overlaps, such as drug resistant epilepsy and cognitive impairment, both concepts are often confused in clinical practice, resulting in unnecessary excessive long-term anti-epileptic treatment. This review interprets the differences and connections between the two diseases on concepts, epidemiology, pathogenesis and related risk factors, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, treatment and prognosis. Key words: Epilepsy; Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system; Encephalitis; Diagnosis, differential