For years, a woman in her early 60s led a vibrant, independent life, often travelling to the United States to visit her family. However, within a matter of weeks, her personality shifted dramatically. She withdrew from social interactions, became unusually fearful, and refused to step outside her home. Once confident and outgoing, she suddenly felt incapable of managing even the simplest tasks or journeys.
A Family’s Concern Leads to Specialist Care
Deeply alarmed, her son brought her to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Consultant Neurologist Dr Sheetal Goyal took charge of her case. At first glance, her symptoms appeared psychological — marked by fear, disrupted sleep, and lack of motivation. Yet, there was no emotional trigger or stressful life event to justify such a shift. This absence of a clear cause prompted Dr Goyal to investigate further.
Advanced Imaging Reveals the True Cause
As per the press release, although her MRI scan looked normal, an advanced FDG-PET brain scan told a different story. It showed abnormal hyperactivity in the frontotemporal regions, the parts of the brain that regulate emotion and behaviour. Additional tests confirmed the diagnosis: autoimmune encephalitis, a rare condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells.
Timely Treatment Drives Remarkable Recovery
Dr Goyal and her team immediately initiated immunotherapy, including steroids, IVIG, and rituximab. As a result, within just a few weeks, the woman’s fear subsided, her sleep improved, and her confidence gradually returned.
A Powerful Reminder for Clinicians and Families
“This case reminds us that not all behavioural changes are psychiatric,” emphasized Dr Goyal. “Sometimes, the brain’s immune system is responsible — and if identified early, the condition is completely reversible.”
What began as a puzzling emotional decline ultimately became a compelling story of recovery, powered by accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, and the dedicated care team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.