Hana Mojžišová

I derive energy from both my patients, who ask valuable questions and my amazing colleagues in the autoimmune neurology team, who inspire me.

Hana Mojžišová, MD, PhD, is currently working as a Neurologist at the Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.

Hana Mojžišová, MD, PhD, works at the Department of Neurology of Second Faculty of Charles University and Motol University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic. She completed her neurology residency in 2023 and earned her PhD in Neurosciences in 2024. Her primary research focus is neuroimmunology, with a particular interest in autoimmune encephalitis. During her studies, she trained at the Neuroimmunology Laboratory in Kiel, Germany, under the supervision of Dr. Leypoldt. She has since applied the knowledge gained abroad to clinical practice in her home country, where an in-house method for antibody testing in research settings is now implemented.
 

Advancing Diagnosis and Treatment of Antibody-Negative Autoimmune Encephalitis

Dr. Mojžišová’s research focuses on autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks brain tissue, causing inflammation. While most cases of autoimmune encephalitis are diagnosed through specific antibodies, some patients lack these markers, making diagnosis and treatment of this so-called antibody-negative group, more challenging.

Motivated by the limited methodological studies on this patient group, Dr. Mojžišová conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of comprehensively tested antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis cases. Her study, covering patients from 2011 to 2020, reanalyzed stored serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples using advanced antibody testing methods. Out of 2,250 patients screened, 33 were identified as possible cases, with 10 meeting diagnostic criteria for probable or definite autoimmune encephalitis. Among them, 80% received immunotherapy, with half showing improvement, though some cases led to severe outcomes, including mortality.

Authors conclude that antibody-negative AE should be diagnosed only after comprehensive testing, emphasizing its importance as many patients benefit from immunotherapy and some have underlying malignancies.

This research represents an original scientific contribution, offering new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis. The findings underscore the necessity of thorough diagnostic efforts to improve clinical outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Mojžišová’s work significantly advances understanding and care for individuals with this rare condition, reinforcing the need for specialized expertise in autoimmune neurology in the Czech Republic.
 

From uncertainty to passion

Dr. Mojžišová finds inspiration in her patients’ questions and her supportive autoimmune neurology team. She is grateful for her fiancé, family and friends, whose patience makes her research possible. To recharge, she plays the violin, jogs and attends dance classes.

Originally, she planned to study Biology, but her mother encouraged her to try Medicine. She prepared for the entrance exams last minute, got in, and initially doubted her choice. However, her passion for helping people led her to clinical work and she quickly fell in love with Neurology.