Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice
11:38

In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice

Published on: July 22, 2014

13.8K

Optic Nerve Atrophy in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Encephalitis

David C Schulz1, Sachin K Pandey2, Lulu L C D Bursztyn1,3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Western University, London, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|November 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) encephalitis can cause vision loss. This case report highlights bilateral optic neuropathy in a young man with NMDA receptor encephalitis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this neurological complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder.
  • It often presents with psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
  • Tumors, particularly teratomas, are associated with NMDA encephalitis.

Observation:

  • Optic neuropathy is an increasingly recognized complication of NMDA encephalitis.
  • This report details a case of bilateral optic neuropathy in a young male patient.
  • The patient was diagnosed with NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of NMDA encephalitis was confirmed by detecting NMDA antibodies.
  • The patient presented with bilateral optic neuropathy.
  • This case adds to the literature on visual disturbances in NMDA encephalitis.

Implications:

  • Ophthalmologists and neurologists should consider NMDA encephalitis in patients with unexplained optic neuropathy.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of NMDA encephalitis may improve visual outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of optic nerve involvement in autoimmune encephalitis.
Keywords:
EncephalitisNeuroimagingOptic atrophyOptic nerve diseasesReceptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate

More Related Videos

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood07:20

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood

Published on: January 9, 2018

10.3K
Examination of Anatomical Features of Retinal Ganglion Cells Under N-methyl-D-aspartic Acid (NMDA)-induced Excitotoxicity07:11

Examination of Anatomical Features of Retinal Ganglion Cells Under N-methyl-D-aspartic Acid (NMDA)-induced Excitotoxicity

Published on: September 19, 2025

1.0K

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...