The role of cognitive rehabilitation in limbic encephalitis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Limbic encephalitis is a parenchymal inflammation caused by viral, bacterial, or other microbial and postinfectious agents, which is usually expressed by multifocal neurological signs and cognitive impairment.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old female was admitted in postacute phase, at our rehabilitative Center, to undertake neuro-motor treatment for a period of 4 months.

DIAGNOSES: The patient was affected by limbic encephalitis. Clinical presentation revealed attention, memory and executive dysfunctions, as well as behavioral changes, emotional dysregulation and reduction of self-awareness.

INTERVENTIONS: The patients received an intensive cognitive and motor rehabilitation training.

OUTCOMES: Neuropsychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after rehabilitative training to evaluate the cognitive and cerebral changes induced by treatment. The patient showed an improvement in cognitive performances and behavioral aspects.

LESSONS: The reducing cognitive deficits, especially memory deficits, could improve quality of life by using available cognitive resources.