General description

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis caused by antibodies targeting the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. Initially this disease was recognized as 'ovarian teratoma-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis,' it predominantly affects young adult women. However, subsequent studies have shown that it can also occur in children, the elderly, and men.

Clinical manifestation

The disease typically begins with nonspecific symptoms similar to those of a common cold, including fever, headache, and malaise. These are quickly followed by acute psychiatric manifestations such as apathy, depression, and cognitive-behavioral disturbances. As the illness progresses, patients may experience schizophrenia-like symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, and delusions, along with sleep disturbances. Convulsive seizures typically occur after these psychiatric symptoms. A decline in spontaneity and oral dyskinesias, such as tongue licking, extremity dystonia, and involuntary movements, are also observed.