What are NMDAR antibodies?

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies are associated with the different sub units of the NMDA receptor. Antibodies to the delta or NR2 subunits of NMDA receptor are associated with limbic encephalitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ataxia and epilepsia partialis continua.

What diseases does Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis mimic?

Differential diagnosis Clinical symptoms of anti NMDAR encephalitis may mimic schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorders.

How do you test for NMDA receptor encephalitis?

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is often first identified through clinical symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed through lab testing of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) or blood serum. This testing is available at a variety of commercial labs, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1-800-PENN LAB).

Is anti Nmdar encephalitis curable?

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a potentially treatable form of psychiatric illness that is illuminating our understanding of the neuropathophysiology involved in some individuals who present with symptoms of psychosis.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis?

Common symptoms include:

• Impaired memory and understanding.
• Unusual and involuntary movements.
• Involuntary movements of the face (facial dyskinesia)
• Difficulty with balance, speech or vision.
• Insomnia.
• Weakness or numbness.
• Seizures.
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks.

How many people have anti-NMDA encephalitis?

This form of encephalitis affects about one in 1.5 million people. It affects females and males but is more common in females.

Is anti-NMDAR encephalitis curable?

What disease did the girl have in Brain on Fire?

Instead, as she recounted in “Brain on Fire,” her best-selling 2012 memoir about her ordeal, she was eventually found to have a rare — or at least newly discovered — neurological disease: anti-NMDA-receptor autoimmune encephalitis. In plain English, Cahalan’s body was attacking her brain.