The Mystery of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: When the Body Turns Against the Brain

Ever thought about your own body attacking you? It might sound like a horror story, but it's a real medical condition called autoimmune encephalitis. One such type is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, where the immune system goes rogue and produces antibodies that disrupt the brain's normal function. This wasn't noticed until 2007, and it's more common among young women. Interestingly, about half of these women also have an ovarian teratoma, a type of tumor. The symptoms can be quite strange, ranging from anxiety and seizures to unusual eye movements. Doctors often miss the signs, which delays vital treatment. Early detection and quick treatment can lead to a full recovery, with some patients even having children afterward. But why do we still struggle to spot this? Maybe it's time we start paying closer attention to these odd symptoms.