Which are the symptoms of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis?

Symptoms of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the brain. It is characterized by the presence of antibodies that target the NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. The condition primarily affects young individuals, especially women, and often presents with psychiatric symptoms initially, followed by neurological manifestations.

Psychiatric Symptoms:

Psychiatric symptoms are often the first signs of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. These symptoms may include:

• Personality changes: Patients may experience sudden and unexplained changes in behavior, mood, or personality.


• Psychosis: Delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia may occur, leading to a misdiagnosis of a primary psychiatric disorder.


• Anxiety and agitation: Patients may exhibit restlessness, irritability, and anxiety.


• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may be present.


• Mania: Some individuals may experience episodes of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity.

Neurological Symptoms:

As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms become more prominent. These symptoms may include:

• Seizures: Various types of seizures, including focal seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, may occur.


• Movement disorders: Abnormal movements such as chorea (involuntary jerky movements), dystonia (sustained muscle contractions), and dyskinesias (abnormal involuntary movements) may be observed.


• Speech and language problems: Difficulties with speech production, comprehension, or word finding may arise.


• Memory and cognitive impairment: Patients may experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with attention, concentration, and problem-solving.


• Autonomic dysfunction: Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.


• Loss of consciousness: In severe cases, patients may experience prolonged periods of unconsciousness or coma.

Other Symptoms:

In addition to the psychiatric and neurological symptoms, individuals with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis may also exhibit other manifestations:

• Headache: Persistent or severe headaches may occur.


• Fever: Some patients may have an elevated body temperature.


• Flu-like symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, and flu-like symptoms may be present.


• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss may occur due to decreased appetite or metabolic changes.


• Respiratory problems: Breathing difficulties, including hypoventilation or apnea, may be observed.

It is important to note that the symptoms of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis can vary widely among individuals, and not all symptoms may be present in every case. The progression and severity of symptoms can also fluctuate over time. Prompt recognition and diagnosis of the condition are crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and improving outcomes.