Anti- N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis: a critical literature review and implications for neuroscience nurses

Anti- N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (anti-NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis is a devastating disease that is linked with alarming rates of misdiagnosis and clinical management conundrums. As a relatively new disease process the literature is limited to case studies and small case series, generally focusing on the natural history of the disease, clinical management and medical interventions. This has resulted in a dearth of literature related to the neuroscience nursing care of individuals diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Nurses play a vital role in caring for individuals diagnosed with anti-NM DA receptor encephalitis and thus it is vital that this role is explored.