Abstract
Background: Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disease associated with antibodies against heteromers NR1 and NR2 subunits of the cell surface of the NMDA receptors, causing many psychiatric and neurological symptoms. This includes new-onset refractory status epilepticus. Methods: A 33-year-old previously healthy female developed new-onset refractory status epilepticus caused by anti- NMDA receptor encephalitis without the presence of tumours. Results: The clinical course was complicated by prolonged status epilepticus, which was refractory to many antiepileptic drugs (levetiracetam, phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, lacosamide, valproic acid), ketamine, propofol, midazolam, including inhalation agents (isoflurane). Also, she received first (intravenous immunoglobulin, intravenous methylprednisolone, and plasmapheresis), second-line immunotherapy (rituximab) and prophylaxis bilateral oophorectomy without clinical or electrographic improvement. However, the patient drug-resistant status epilepticus markedly improved both clinically and electrographically following seven sessions of electroconvulsive therapy. Conclusions: Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of immunotherapy resistant encephalitis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.