Paraneoplastic Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Nigerian Female Teenager: A Case Report
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Keywords
Encephalitis, Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, anti-NMDA Receptor Antibody, Seizure, Movement Disorder
Abstract
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, dysautonomia, and movement disorders. Initially identified as a paraneoplastic syndrome predominantly in young women with ovarian teratomas, it has become clear that not all affected individuals have tumors, and symptoms can occur across genders. With the availability of the NMDAR antibody assay, cases have also been identified in patients presenting with early psychosis, epilepsy, and classic limbic encephalitis. This emerging understanding enables earlier diagnosis, even in resource-limited settings, facilitating a multidisciplinary management approach that combines immunotherapies and tumor removal when indicated. This case highlights the importance of recognizing anti-NMDAR encephalitis in an 18-year-old female, emphasizing the need for prompt intervention to improve recovery outcomes.
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