anti-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) Receptor Encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis that is initially characterized by prominent psychiatric symptoms, then progressing to seizures, movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and hypoventilation. The prominent psychiatric symptoms often results in initial hospitalization in psychiatric units, and delays in diagnosis and treatment. It is associated with CSF IgG antibodies against the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor.
Diagnosis can be made when all 3
of the following criteria have been met (Graus et al. 2016):[3]
4
of the 6 following major groups of symptoms:1
of the following laboratory study results:
A Definite diagnosis can be made in the presence of 1
or more of the 6 major groups of symptoms and IgG anti-GluN1 antibodies (including CSF testing), after reasonable exclusion of other disorders.