Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in an adolescent
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood
Published on: January 9, 2018
T K Shruthi1, S Shuba, P S Rajakumar
1Departments of Pediatrics and *Neurology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Correspondence to: Dr TK Shruthi, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, SRMC and RI, Porur, Chennai 600 116, India. shruthitarikere@gmail.com.
Background:
Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an immune mediated disorder.
Case Characteristics:
A previously healthy 14-year-old girl presenting with generalized tonic clonic seizures and altered behavior.
Observation:
In view of refractory seizures, hallucinations, psychobehavioral and catalepsy like symptoms, and CSF showing lymphocytic pleocytosis, possibility of autoimmune encephalitis was considered. Serum was positive for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies.
Outcome:
She recovered completely in six months without any sequelae.
Conclusion:
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis - a potentially treatable disease - should be considered in differential diagnosis of encephalitis when acute behavioral changes, seizures or dyskinesias are present.
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