Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Phillip Ferdinand and Lauren Mitchell

In recent years, the discovery of antibodies to specific neuronal antigens that then go on to cause encephalitis has gone a long way to change the investigation and management of a potential encephalitic process. These have now become known under the umbrella term of the \'autoimmune encephalitides\'. In this article we look at anti- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, a condition most often found in young females and has an association with a number of malignancies, most commonly ovarian teratomas. Most patients will have a viral prodrome, followed by psychiatric, seizure, dysautonomic and dyskinetic features, but can present at any point along this pathway. Treatment involves prompt tumour identification and removal where appropriate and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, usually commencing with corticosteroids. A substantial proportion of patients will make a full recovery, but many will need medical, psychiatric and social care following completion of the acute phase of the illness.