Abstract
The encephalitis associated with antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor (anti-R NMDA) was first described in 2005. Today it is the second leading cause of autoimmune encephalitis in the pediatric population. Unlike the presentation in adults, in children, it is less frequently associated with tumors but, movement disorders are more common. Here, we present two cases of children with anti-R NMDA encephalitis. The first one was three and a half years old at the time of diagnosis and the second was seven years old. Dyskinesias were the presenting symptom in the first case, and this patient showed no psychiatric symptoms. She subsequently developed a convulsive status and impaired consciousness with language disorders. The second case, after a prodromal period, developed behavioral changes, dyskinesias, dysautonomia, convulsive status and impaired consciousness. In both cases a good outcome was achieved with treatment and patients were found in good functional class status during the follow up. We conclude that reaching the appropriated diagnosis early on during the course of the disease allowed the establishment of the proper and timely treatment which leads to a good functional recovery over time. This usually requires the support of a multidisciplinary team.
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