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Published on: January 9, 2018
NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis presenting as Transient Epileptic Amnesia
Sharon A Savage1, Sarosh R Irani2, M Isabel Leite2
1Cognitive Neurology Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK; Discipline of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Transient Epileptic Amnesia (TEA), a temporal lobe epilepsy subtype, can be linked to anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARE). This case highlights NMDARE in atypical TEA, suggesting a broader autoimmune connection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Transient Epileptic Amnesia (TEA) is a temporal lobe epilepsy subtype with unknown causes, typically affecting individuals in their early 60s.
- Anti-NMDAR encephalitis (NMDARE) is an autoimmune neurological disorder, but its association with TEA has not been previously reported.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with TEA.
- Atypical symptoms prompted screening for autoimmune epilepsy, revealing high serum NMDAR antibodies, indicative of NMDARE.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with atypical TEA associated with NMDARE.
- Immunosuppressive therapy successfully reduced NMDAR antibody levels.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of neuronal cell-surface autoantibodies.
- It suggests that autoimmune conditions like NMDARE should be considered in atypical presentations of TEA.
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