Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor-Mediated Encephalitis: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment in Children

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-mediated encephalitis (anti-NMDAR encephalitis) is increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. There is a recognizable pattern of clinical symptoms, similar between children and adults. There are some differences in children including the frequency of presenting symptoms, the presence of hypoventilation, and the identification of an associated tumor. Early tumor removal and treatment with immunotherapy is important for rapid recovery. The prognosis can be surprisingly good but some children have lasting neurocognitive deficits.