The impact of a ketogenic diet on autoimmune encephalitis: A case report

Autoimmune encephalitis displays a wide age distribution but is most frequently observed in the younger populations. Encephalitis is reported to affect approximately 58 cases per 100,000 people every year. A more detailed examination reveals that among the recognized triggers, autoimmune encephalitis ranks as the third most prevalent cause, following viral encephalitis and postinfectious cases. The neurological observations exhibit variability; they can encompass unsteady gait, diminished reflex responses, urinary retention, and vision impairment. Here, we report a case of autoimmune encephalitis in a 21-year-old male who was rushed to the emergency room with complaints of high-grade fever and tonic-clonic seizures. Following a defined duration of ketogenic supplementation, the patient achieved a full and remarkable recovery. This outcome signifies the effectiveness of the ketogenic dietary approach in facilitating the patient’s complete restoration to health and underscores its potential significance in autoimmune encephalitis.