Nizhny Novgorod doctors saved a 21-year-old patient with a rare autoimmune encephalitis.

      On May 3, 2026, at 09:54, Society Doctors at the Infectious Clinical Hospital No. 23 in Nizhny Novgorod saved a 21-year-old young man with the so-called "disease X." This was reported by Alexey Nikонов, the editor-in-chief of the medical publication "Statsionar-Press," on his Max channel. According to him, the disease developed rapidly. Against the backdrop of complete well-being, the young man suddenly had a high fever, seizures, and disturbances in consciousness. The patient was brought to the ICU of IKB No. 23 in extremely critical condition. The doctors quickly diagnosed the condition to prevent damage to the brain and internal organs. The young man was placed in a medically induced coma and connected to a mechanical ventilator. He remained in a coma for 21 days. During this time, the doctors conducted intensive and complex treatment, including plasmapheresis, as well as pulse therapy with high doses of hormones and immunoglobulins. Specialists from various fields—intensivists, infectious disease specialists, neurologists, and toxicologists—were involved in the work. In addition, Nizhny Novgorod doctors consulted with leading experts in the country using telemedicine. As a result, the patient was saved. He is now essentially relearning speech, walking, and eating. Rehabilitation continues, but the threat to his life has already passed. "The 'disease X' turned out to be autoimmune encephalitis—a rare and dangerous condition where one's own immune system begins to attack the brain," noted Nikонов. It was previously reported that Nizhny Novgorod doctors performed the first liver transplant on a patient with cirrhosis. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+