Paraneoplastic and Other Autoimmune Disorders

Abstract

The world of neurology is rapidly expanding, with new diagnostic and treatment tools continually updating and advancing the field. Some of the most radical recent changes have occurred in the diagnosis and treatment of paraneoplastic and autoimmune neurological disorders. Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders are a group of conditions in which a malignant process causes neurologic symptoms that are distant from the primary site of malignancy. These conditions are primarily autoimmune in nature. In many cases, a single antibody can cause a multitude of different syndromes. Conversely, specific syndromes can be caused by many different antibodies. Antibody types are further subdivided into those that act against intracellular versus neuronal surface antigens. The management of the former is targeted toward the underlying malignancy, and unfortunately, the prognosis is poor. On the other hand, paraneoplastic disorders and autoimmune neurologic syndromes associated with neuronal surface antibodies respond remarkably well to immunotherapy. This chapter breaks down the intricately complicated pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of paraneoplastic and related autoimmune neurologic syndromes.