INTRODUCTION:

Thyroid autoimmune disease-associated encephalopathy is characterized by an insidious onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms which may include impaired cognitive function, behavioral changes, seizures, and movement disorders.

CASE REPORT:

A 69-year-old man with a history of primary hypothyroidism who consulted for two weeks of memory impairment, confusion, and language disorder, associated with hyperreflexia and generalized tremor. Studies showed elevated thyroid hormone levels and antithyroid antibody titers, cerebrospinal fluid with increased protein and negative antineuronal antibodies, normal neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram with nonspecific abnormalities. After ruling out other etiologies, a diagnosis of encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid disease was made and management with steroids was started, with which he presented significant clinical improvement.

DISCUSSION:

Encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroid disease is a complex disorder that requires timely and rapid diagnosis. In all patients with acute or subacute neuropsychiatric symptoms, and without a clear cause, it is pertinent to request an antithyroid antibody profile independent of baseline thyroid function

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