Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Anorexia nervosa remission during an episode of encephalitis
1St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Objective:
The case described suggests that there may be a neurobiological aspect to the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) and that development of new pharmacological treatment strategies aimed at the central nervous system (CNS) may be possible.
Method:
A 25-year-old female with AN lost her anorexic behaviors following an episode of encephalitis with associated hypoxic brain injury. Once the neurological sequelae resolved, the anorexic behaviors returned.
Results:
During recovery, the patient's weight increased from 37.8 to 51.1 kg and body fat content by skinfold measurement increased from 7.5% to 18.5%.
Discussion:
If a neurophysiological mechanism underlying AN could be identified, it might be possible to devise new treatment options.
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