anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

NMDA Receptor antibodies. Autoantibodies against glutamate receptors of the NMDA type.
anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. (NMDAR) (S)
Blood tests to aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.

Limbic encephalitis is a rare disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disorders, and seizures.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare immune disorder in which antibodies made by the body attack the brain. The disease occurs about 150 times a year in the Netherlands. The symptoms of the disease can vary greatly and depend on which part of the brain is being attacked. Some patients lose their speech, or develop epilepsy. Others behave as if they are constantly drunk, or lose their memory. Still others appear angry, aggressive or suspicious.

Most forms of autoimmune encephalitis have only been described in the last decade, so not every psychiatrist has knowledge of and experience with this syndrome.

Brain inflammation (encephalitis) is an inflammation in the brain tissue. The borderline with meningitis is blurred, because in encephalitis the meninges are often inflamed as well.

Depending on the severity of the inflammation, symptoms may include fever and headache, drowsiness, vomiting or mild stiffness in the neck.

Different forms and causes

Encephalitis can be caused or affected by different viruses, such as cold viruses, measles and mumps. Sometimes the inflammation can be so mild that the patient does not even approach a doctor. Such encephalitis may heal spontaneously, with no residual symptoms remaining.
In a few cases, fungi or parasites cause encephalitis. Also after experiencing an infection (or very exceptionally a vaccination) with chickenpox, smallpox or whooping cough, among others, a brain inflammation can occur in a few cases, perhaps because the brain reacts allergically.

Finally, bacteria can also cause an infection in the brain. This is sometimes possible in chronic middle ear infection. Symptoms may include headache, nausea and disturbed consciousness (absence). The bacterial infection is encapsulated causing a brain abscess; a pus formation in the brain.

A well-known form of encephalitis is encephalitis lethargica, or sleeping sickness.