Hashimoto's Encephalopathy

[wildechild]

In March of 2004 was husband was diagnosed with Pick's Disease.  His mental health has steadily declined - he now has severe dementia, incontinent, unable to speak, read or understand.  He recently had a seizure and after googling Pick's Disease+seizure I learned about Hashimoto's encephalopathy.  My doctor has order extensive blood tests but I want to start the regimen regardless of the results.  For over 3 years all the medical community has offered was "To get his affairs in order and place him in an institution".  My research indicates 100-150 mg of Medrol for 3 days then tapered off over a 4 month period.  He is currently on 1500 mg of Depakote, 20 mg zyprexia and 10 mg of zoloft.  What medication(s) and amounts do you suggest?  We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I would recommend talking to the neurologist about this possible diagnosis.  There is even debate as to whether Hashi Encephalopathy exists or if Hashi is simply common and some patients with Hashi get otherwise unexplainabe dementia-like symptoms which may be autoimmune but not necessarily related to thyroid immune disease.  High dose steroids should be discussed with the neurologist.

[2431]

Dr. Lupo,

I respectfully submit that you read the literature on pub med and in other well respected neurological journals etc. regarding the existance of Hashimoto's encephalopathy. It does, without a doubt, exist. I happen to be one of those afflicted with it. My doctors, 2 very well respected neurologists/professors of neurology at two different major medical/teaching universities in urban settings, agree on the diagnosis. Please educated yourself before you continue to give others the same ill informed answer.

Thank you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Thank you for the comment.  I did not say it did not exist, I stated there is debate in the thyroid academic world as to its association with hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Some things in medicine are not as straight forward as we would like them to be and HE is one of them.....