What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sudden confusion, memory problems, unusual jerking movements of the face or arm, or new-onset seizures that came on over days or weeks. It helps identify a rare autoimmune condition called limbic encephalitis, where your immune system mistakenly attacks part of your brain. It's also used when someone has faciobrachial dystonic seizures, a distinctive type of brief muscle spasm affecting the face and arm.

What's included in this test?

This test looks for LGI1 antibodies, which are markers your immune system produces when it mistakenly targets proteins in your brain involved in nerve signaling. Detecting these antibodies helps explain symptoms like sudden memory loss, confusion, or unusual seizure-like movements that don't have an obvious cause. Finding this specific antibody points toward a treatable autoimmune cause rather than other neurological conditions.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account, with the normal reference range explained next to your value so you know exactly what it means. If your result is positive, this is a finding that needs prompt attention, so you should seek medical care right away since limbic encephalitis can progress quickly. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you need to retest later, the trends feature lets you track changes over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for sudden short-term memory problems, confusion, or personality changes that develop over days to weeks. Brief, repetitive jerking movements of one side of the face and arm happening many times a day are a hallmark sign. New seizures without a clear cause, especially alongside memory or mood changes, are also a strong reason to get checked.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because symptoms linked to this condition can worsen quickly, don't wait on results if you develop severe confusion, worsening seizures, or sudden neurological changes — seek emergency care immediately. Once ready, your results post directly to your online account for you to view and download.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone experiencing unexplained memory loss, confusion, or new seizures that developed fairly suddenly should consider this test. It's especially relevant if you're also having brief, repetitive facial or arm twitching episodes. People who've been told their seizures or cognitive symptoms don't fit a typical pattern may also benefit from ruling in or out an autoimmune cause.

What is limbic encephalitis and why does it matter?

Limbic encephalitis is inflammation in a part of the brain that manages memory and emotions, often triggered when the immune system produces antibodies that attack brain tissue by mistake. It matters because early detection can lead to treatment that calms the immune response and prevents lasting brain damage. Left unaddressed, symptoms like memory loss and seizures can worsen over time.

What does a positive LGI1 antibody result mean?

A positive result means your immune system is producing antibodies that target a protein important for normal brain cell communication. This is strongly linked to limbic encephalitis or faciobrachial dystonic seizures and usually requires prompt medical attention. It does not mean your situation is untreatable — many people improve significantly once the underlying immune reaction is addressed.

What causes LGI1 antibodies to develop?

In most cases, the exact trigger isn't clear, but the antibodies form when the immune system mistakenly identifies a normal brain protein as a threat. In some people, this happens alongside other autoimmune conditions or, less commonly, in association with certain tumors. Because of this, additional health screening is often recommended if antibodies are found.

What should I do if my results are positive?

If your result comes back positive, seek medical care as soon as possible, since limbic encephalitis symptoms can progress and early treatment improves outcomes. Keep a record of your symptoms, including when the facial or arm twitching episodes happen, since this information is useful for further evaluation. You can download and share your lab report with any care team through your account, and use the trends feature if repeat testing is recommended.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

LGI1 Antibody Test - Limbic Encephalitis Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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