Focal EEG slowing and chorea: electroclinical clues to the diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis

Epileptic Disord. 2014 Dec;16(4):482-5. doi: 10.1684/epd.2014.0708.

Abstract

Variations in clinical presentation can lead to delays in the diagnosis and initiation of treatment of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Most patients have an EEG study performed early in the course of their illness. Although not specific, there may be clues in the electroclinical features that should alert clinicians and electroencephalographers to the possibility of this diagnosis. This case is a reminder that anti- anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis may present initially with a movement disorder as the sole symptom, without features of an encephalopathy. In addition, it adds to the growing body of evidence that recognition of certain electroclinical clues may shorten the time to diagnosis. [Published with video sequence].

Keywords: acute dyskinesia; anti-NMDAR encephalitis; chorea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis* / complications
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis* / diagnosis
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis* / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Chorea* / diagnosis
  • Chorea* / etiology
  • Chorea* / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Female
  • Humans