Translational approaches to childhood inflammatory brain diseases: a review

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory brain diseases (IBrainDs) are rare, potentially devastating diseases that affect children and adolescents. Clinical presentation is often subacute with focal and diffuse neurological manifestations and psychiatric symptoms which may occur without early aggressive treatment. AREAS COVERED: In this review performed in Pubmed including English Literature until July 2025 on the different IBrainDs categories include the clinical presentation, laboratory features, treatment, and outcome of these IBrainDs. EXPERT OPINION: As IBrainDs often present subacute and insidious, a high index of suspicion is warranted as often CSF and MRI findings are nonspecific and specific antibody testing, angiography, or brain biopsy are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Here we will review the main categories of IBrainDs, clinical presentation, and discuss pathophysiologic mechanisms to support treatment choices.