Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of dysfunction of the limbic and extra-limbic systems that occur in association with antibodies against intracellular antigens, synapses, or proteins located on the surface of nerve cells. Anti-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor encephalitis was first described in 2007 and has become one of the most commonly recognized autoimmune encephalitides. The disease is predominantly female (81%) and affects young patients (37% <
18 years old, 95% <
45 years old), with up to 58% of women over 18 years old having ovarian teratoma. Clinical symptoms of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis include psychiatric disorders (anxiety, agitation, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, delusions, and memory impairment)
seizures and epileptic states
and other neurologic symptoms (muscle tone abnormalities, eye movement disorders, and central ventilatory disorders). Diagnosis of this condition can be difficult due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms, often leading to delays in appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, especially in young women with ovarian teratoma, has significantly improved the chances of full recovery and improved reproductive health outcomes for patients.