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Long-term Impact of NMDAR Encephalitis, Level 3

This study is investigating the long-term impact of a rare brain condition known as NMDAR encephalitis. This illness affects the brain and can cause problems like memory loss, seizures, and changes in mood. While doctors understand the sudden, severe phase of the illness well, less is known about how it affects people over many years, particularly their social and psychological well-being. Many people who get this condition are young, around 21 years old, so understanding how it affects their daily life, education, and work is really important. This study hopes to fill these gaps by asking people who have had NMDAR encephalitis to complete questionnaires about their experiences.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Hospices Civils de Lyon
Enrolment target
30
Start
21 Nov 2025
Estimated completion
21 Nov 2026

What is this study about?

This study is focusing on a specific, rare condition called NMDAR encephalitis. It's an illness where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, causing inflammation. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in behaviour, memory problems, seizures, and in some cases, can make people very unwell. While doctors have learned a lot about the first, severe stage of this illness since it was identified about 14 years ago, there's still a lot we don't know about its long-term effects.

Currently, there isn't much information about how NMDAR encephalitis affects people's lives years down the line, especially their mental health and social interactions. We know that some people may have ongoing difficulties with their thinking or memory after the initial illness. This lack of information is particularly concerning because many individuals affected by NMDAR encephalitis are quite young, often in their early twenties. This means the illness could potentially have a big impact on their success in school, their careers, and their social lives.

The main goal of this research is to understand these long-term social and psychological effects. By collecting information from people who have experienced NMDAR encephalitis, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how this condition impacts daily life. This understanding is crucial so that better support and care can be developed for those living with the after-effects of NMDAR encephalitis.

Key takeaways

  • The study focuses on the long-term impact of NMDAR encephalitis.
  • It aims to understand social and psychological effects.
  • Participation involves completing online questionnaires.
  • Most participants are young adults.
  • No new medications or hospital visits are required.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, who has been diagnosed with NMDAR encephalitis. You also need to be part of a social security system and have access to the internet and a computer.

You won't be able to join the study if you haven't had NMDAR encephalitis, if you have a legal guardian or curator (someone legally responsible for your decisions), or if you had other brain or nerve conditions before your encephalitis started. The researchers want to make sure they are studying people specifically affected by NMDAR encephalitis.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. I am 18 years old or older.
  2. I have been diagnosed with NMDAR encephalitis.
  3. I am part of a social security system.
  4. I have access to a computer and the internet.
  5. I do not have a legal guardian or curator.
  6. I did not have other brain or nerve problems before my encephalitis.
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will likely be about your experiences with NMDAR encephalitis and how it has affected your social and psychological well-being. Since you need internet access and a computer, it sounds like these questionnaires can be completed at home at your convenience. The study description doesn't mention any hospital visits, medical tests, or taking new medications. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but it will involve submitting the completed questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part include helping researchers better understand how NMDAR encephalitis affects people long-term, which could lead to improved support and care for others in the future. The main risk involves the time it takes to complete questionnaires and potentially discussing sensitive personal information, which some might find upsetting. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

  • Centre de référence des syndromes neurologies paranéoplasiques et encéphalites auto-immunes - Hôpital neurologiques Pierre WERTHEIMER - Groupement hospitalier Est - Hospices civiles de Lyon
    Verified postcode
    Bron, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is NMDAR encephalitis?

It's a rare brain condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your brain, causing inflammation and symptoms like memory loss or seizures.

Why is this study important?

It aims to understand how NMDAR encephalitis affects people's lives over many years, especially their mental health and social life, to help improve future care.

What will I have to do if I join?

You will be asked to fill out questionnaires about your experiences related to NMDAR encephalitis, using a computer with internet access.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults (18 or older) who have had NMDAR encephalitis, are part of a social security system, and have internet/computer access.

Can I stop participating once I've started?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Jérôme HONNORAT, Pr

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Long-term Impact of NMDAR Encephalitis, Level 3…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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