Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA)receptor encephalitis is one of the most common type of auto immune encephalitis. Its diagnosis is often delayed due to initial clinical presentation with psychiatric clinical features. Initial clinical features resemble those of acute psychosis or depression which later evolve into frank neurological dysfunction. This was first described in association with ovarian teratoma, but it was later also found to exist without neoplastic association and in men as well. It occurs more frequently in younger age group, mostly below 50 years of age. Diagnosis is established with the help of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for oligo clonal bands and presence of Anti NMDA receptor antibodies in serum or CSF. CSF assay for antibody is more sensitive compared to serum. This case report is of a young girl who initially presented with behavioral abnormalities to a psychiatry outpatient and was later diagnosed with anti NMDA receptor encephalitis after she developed seizures