The question "What is HESA disease?" is not accurately phrased. HESA is not a disease, but rather a non-profit organization. HESA stands for Hashimoto's Encephalopathy Support Association. HESA focuses on supporting individuals affected by autoimmune encephalitis, with a primary focus on Hashimoto's Encephalopathy/SREAT (HE/SREAT) and Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis (SAE).
Therefore, there is no "HESA disease" as such, it's more accurate to ask about the conditions that HESA supports:
Understanding HESA's Focus
HESA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by autoimmune encephalitis, with an emphasis on:
- Hashimoto's Encephalopathy/SREAT (HE/SREAT): This is a rare neurological condition associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.
- Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis (SAE): This refers to autoimmune encephalitis where no specific antibody causing the condition has been identified.
Key Aspects of HESA's Focus
Here's a table summarizing the main conditions of HESA's focus:
| Condition | Description | Antibody Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Hashimoto's Encephalopathy/SREAT (HE/SREAT) | A rare neurological condition linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. | Potentially related to thyroid antibodies |
| Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis (SAE) | Autoimmune encephalitis where no specific antibody has been identified as the cause. | None identified |
What is Autoimmune Encephalitis?
- Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation.
- Symptoms can vary widely and may include cognitive impairment, seizures, psychiatric disturbances, and movement disorders.
HESA's Support Role
HESA plays a crucial role in:
- Raising awareness about these rare and often misunderstood conditions.
- Providing support to patients and their families affected by HE/SREAT and SAE.
- Promoting research to better understand and treat these conditions.
Key Takeaways
- HESA is a non-profit organization, not a disease.
- HESA supports individuals affected by autoimmune encephalitis, primarily HE/SREAT and SAE.
- HE/SREAT is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- SAE is autoimmune encephalitis with no known antibody cause.
- HESA aims to provide support, raise awareness and promote research into these neurological conditions.
