Hashimoto's encephalopathy in an adolescent boy

Abstract

Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children and adults. We hereby describe a 12.5 yr old boy with this rare disorder that presented with an acute onset of episodic psychosis with hallucinations along with seizures and had elevated antithyroid antibodies. Symptoms improved with thyroxine replacement and anticonvulsants and EEG normalized 3 mth into follow up. Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, as prompt recognition and management can lead to an excellent outcome.