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New Onset Insomnia in a Pediatric Patient: A Case of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Tamar N Goldberg1,2, Michael F Cellucci3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Pediatric Residency Program, Wilmington, DE, USA.

Case Reports in Pediatrics
|August 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune condition affecting children. Insomnia can be an early, overlooked symptom in pediatric cases, highlighting the need for broad diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an increasingly recognized cause of encephalopathy in pediatric populations.
  • Typical presenting symptoms include mood lability, movement disorders, speech dysfunction, seizures, and autonomic instability.

Observation:

  • This case report details a pediatric patient whose primary medical evaluation was prompted by insomnia.
  • Insomnia is not commonly emphasized as a presenting symptom of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in children.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, demonstrating the condition's variable and sometimes atypical presentation.
  • Early recognition of diverse symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Highlighting insomnia as a potential presenting symptom can aid clinicians in earlier diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in children.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation are vital for improving patient outcomes in autoimmune encephalitis.

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