The Spectrum of Movement Disorders in Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) Encephalitis Both in Children and Adults: An Experience From a Single Tertiary Care Center.

Abstract

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalitis. The characteristic clinical features include seizure, psychosis-like symptoms, abnormal movements, and autonomic disturbances. Patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis can present with various types of movement disorders. Typically, the movement disorders start following intervals of psychiatric and prodromal manifestations in young adults; however, in children, these might be an early presentation of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The disease is under-recognized and underdiagnosed in Pakistan. Early recognition of the disease is important to commence timely treatment leading to a better prognosis. Here we present a collection of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients, specifically focussing on the different types of movement disorders and the differences in clinical manifestations between children and adults.