ANTI-NMDA-R encephalitis: case report

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDA-R) is the most common among autoimmune encephalitis caused by antibodies developed against surface antigens. It was first identified in 2007 as presenting with seizures, autonomic dysfunction and movement disorders, in addition to acute or subacute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Multifocal, nonspecific white matter lesions can be seen on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Since paraneoplasia is usually found in the etiology, malignancy should be screened in patients with NMDA-R encephalitis.

In our case, a 48-year-old patient is presented who has been diagnosed with anti-NMDA-R encephalitis during the examinations, complaining of numbness on the left side of his face, seizures, imbalance, excessive talkativeness and insomnia.

Autoimmune encephalitis should be considered in patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis, which takes severe clinical course and fails to respond to treatment adequately; NMDA receptor antibodies and other autoantibody tests should be requested, malignancy screening should be performed and treatment should be started in the early period.