This antibody is also seen in the condition sometimes diagnosed as Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis and it is becoming clearer that these two conditions may well represent the same entity. Obviously further study in these areas needs to be done but it is clear that this is a rapidly evolving area which may well have major consequences on how we diagnose and treat these various conditions. Glossary Sodium channels. Channels in the nerve membrane that allow the passage of sodium ions to generate the action potential. Mechanism by which electrochemical energy is passed along the nerve.
Protein made by body to combine with foreign material thus activating the immune system.