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Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Sian Y Lim1, Ragesh Panikkath, Charoen Mankongpaisarnrung

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA. yik.lim@ttuhsc.edu

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a treatable condition often seen in young adults. This case highlights transient increased intracranial pressure as an atypical, underrecognized finding in NMDAR encephalitis management.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an increasingly recognized autoimmune neurological disorder.
  • It is a treatable cause of encephalitis, particularly in young adults.
  • Diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary team approach.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with an unusual presentation.
  • The patient exhibited transiently increased intracranial pressure, an atypical finding in this condition.
  • Increased intracranial pressure can pose diagnostic and management challenges.

Findings:

  • Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a treatable condition often presenting with psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
  • Transient increased intracranial pressure is an underrecognized, atypical manifestation.
  • Early recognition by internists is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy.
  • Emphasizes the need for internists to be familiar with the clinical spectrum and management of NMDAR encephalitis.
  • Suggests that increased intracranial pressure should be recognized as a potential, albeit atypical, feature requiring careful management.

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