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Images in Neurology
February 2010

Anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Characteristic Behavioral And Movement Disorder

Author Affiliations

Author Affiliations: The Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Center (Drs Ferioli, Kobet, Broderick, and Espay) and Department of Pathology (Dr Zhai), University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Dr Dalmau).

Arch Neurol. 2010;67(2):250-251. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2009.317

Anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a treatable paraneoplastic disorder predominantly affecting young women. It is characterized by a combination of psychotic encephalopathy, seizures, and abnormal movements of the trunk and face, particularly in the form of jaw dystonia. Enhanced awareness of the typical presentation can increase the index of suspicion and facilitate initiation of appropriate treatment.

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