Episodic memory loss following LGI1-limbic encephalitis

Institution: UCL/National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London

Lead researcher: Dr Thomas Miller t.d.miller@ucl.ac.uk

Neurologists at UCL/National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery – based in Central London – are recruiting patients that have recovered from LGI1-limbic encephalitis and have memory difficulties to take part in a study.

The study is a functional MRI study that is trying to visualise how memory processes become affected after the disease.

This involves some neuropsychology testing and retrieval of memories from your life, some of which you will then be asked to recall during MRI scanning.

Participant Criteria:

• Patients who have tested positive for LGI1 antibodies only
• Adults aged between 18-70 years of age.
• Free of clinical symptoms and be considered clinically stable by their responsible consultant neurologist. This is usually about one year from the onset of their acute illness.
• Not on any medication to treat their condition such as prednisolone or psychoactive medication. Ideally, patients will be no longer be taking epilepsy-controlling medication.
• Patients should be seizure-free.
• Patients should report some degree of episodic memory difficulties in their day-to-day life.
• Patients should self-report as healthy and free of secondary gain or active psychopathology.
• All participants should be fluent in English.

What will taking part involve for the participants? 

Initially, some memory testing performed at home alongside retrieval of patients own memories. These can be done on the same visit or on two separate visits (depending on patient preference). These take about 1.5 hours each. Then there is the visit to our Centre for the scan which takes about 2.5 hours from walking in to leaving again (and including breaks).

Criteria for the healthy control group

Healthy control participants will be matched on the basis of age, gender, educational level, and on general neuropsychological measures.

Will participant expenses be reimbursed?

Yes, we cover their time and if need be travel and accommodation.

For more information please contact Dr Tom Miller (t.d.miller@ucl.ac.uk ).