Successful treatment of a patient with rare autoimmune encephalitis

Patient with autoimmune encephalitis after being successfully treated by doctors. Photo: BVCC

A month ago, NMT (14 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) was taken to Gia Dinh People's Hospital by his family for examination in a state of auditory hallucinations, insomnia, cognitive and language disorders. T. had unusual actions such as crying, laughing at night, and uncontrolled speech.

Through examination and paraclinical testing, it was noted that T. had increased mononucleosis in the cerebrospinal fluid with positive NMDA antibodies - an important indicator in determining autoimmune encephalitis. After more than 2 weeks of active treatment according to the regimen, T.'s condition has improved, and currently his cognition and communication have improved.

According to Dr. Vo Van Tan, Head of the Department of Neurology, Gia Dinh People's Hospital, autoimmune encephalitis is a rare disease in children, easily overlooked or misdiagnosed with mental disorders.

MINH KHUE