Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Case Report

• Published in: JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association Vol. 60; no. 255; pp. 962 - 964
• Main Authors: Yadav, Bikash, Chaurasia, Dhiraj, Kharel, Abhiyan, Dhungana, Krishna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepal Journal of the Nepal Medical Association 01.11.2022; Nepal Medical Association
• Subjects: Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis - diagnosis; Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis - drug therapy; Case Report; case reports; encephalitis; immunotherapy; methylprednisolone; Female; Humans; Methylprednisolone - therapeutic use; Receptors, Amino Acid
• ISSN: 0028-2715; 1815-672X
• DOI: 10.31729/jnma.7307

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalitis with acute or subacute neuropsychiatric symptoms. Despite this fact, due to a couple of factors, this condition remains insufficiently acknowledged and is an under-recognised clinical scenario. We describe a case of a patient presenting with fever, headache and altered sensorium along with a history of disorientation, episodes of abnormal body movements and loss of consciousness in the later phase. She was initially thought to have Status epilepticus with tuberculous meningoencephalitis but her cognitive functions did not improve despite appropriate treatment. She displayed features away from the usual course of disease leading to suspicions of Autoimmune Encephalitis and Anti-N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor reports later confirmed the diagnosis. Methylprednisolone and Intravenous Immunoglobulin was started empirically and she was discharged in stable health with stabilised emotional and cognitive function with Azathioprine and Levetiracetam continued. Our findings suggested early diagnosis and prompt immunotherapy treatment beneficial for the outcome.