A case of anti--methyl--aspartate receptor encephalitis

Abstract

Anti- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor encephalitis is characterized by the clinical manifestation of neuropsychiatric symptoms, predominantly affecting young adults, and frequently associated with neoplasms. It is the second most common cause of autoimmune and paraneoplastic encephalitis. Early diagnosis is often missed, as patients are commonly diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses and are treated with antipsychotics – which rarely gives complete resolution of symptoms. Herein, we discuss a patient with mixed clinical, imaging, electroencephalogram, and laboratory findings, with an eventual diagnosis of anti- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor encephalitis requiring immunotherapy and operative intervention.