Neurological Disorders Associated with Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibodies

Cureus. 2019 May 23;11(5):e4738. doi: 10.7759/cureus.4738.

Abstract

Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies have been discovered in a variety of neurological syndromes with unique presentations. These syndromes include limbic encephalitis (LE), stiff person syndrome (SPS), opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, status epilepticus, and palatal myoclonus among others. We present two patients who presented with Guillain-Barré (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) like syndromes, who were found to have anti-GAD antibodies. These case reports highlight the complex presentation of patients with neurological disorders associated with anti-GAD antibodies. The proper identification of anti-GAD antibody's presence has proven to be beneficial in treatment and provide enhanced quality of life.

Keywords: anti gad antibodies; guillan barre syndrome; myasthenia gravis; neurological symptoms; paraneoplastic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports