Adult‐onset drug‐refractory seizure disorder associated with anti–voltage‐gated potassium‐channel antibody

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Abstract
Summary: Voltage‐gated potassium channels are widely expressed throughout the entire nervous system. These channels play a critical role in establishing the resting membrane potential and generation of neuronal action potentials. There is mounting evidence that autoantibodies reactive to neuronal cell surface antigens, such as voltage‐gated potassium channels, play a pathogenic role in a wide spectrum of central and peripheral nervous system disorders. We report a case of new‐onset drug‐refractory seizure disorder associated with the presence of high levels of serum anti–voltage‐gated potassium channel antibodies that responded only to immunotherapy. As demonstrated by this case report, anti–voltage‐gated potassium channel antibody associated drug‐refractory seizure disorder, although rare, should be considered in patients with unexplained adult‐onset seizure activity. Once the diagnosis has been established the initiation of immunotherapy should be undertaken without delay.

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