Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a rare disease that occurs when antibodies produced by the body’s own immune system attack the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in the brain (Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Foundation, 2017). For a condition that is relatively rare, Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) witnessed a staggering four cases of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in 2016 alone. Patients develop a multistage condition that progresses from psychosis, memory deficits, seizures, respiratory difficulties, abnormal catatonic movements and language disintegration into a state of unresponsiveness (Dalmau, Lancaster, Hernandez, Rosenfeld and Gordon, 2011). This case study will focus on the pathologies and medical journeys of three female patients diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis at TWH. Nurses will learn about the unique presentations of each of the cases and the individualized nursing care plans developed to address the unique needs of this patient population. More specifically, it will highlight the importance of ensuring patient and staff safety in the development of these cares plans. It will also discuss the need for implementing ongoing evaluations of these nursing care plans to address the developing needs of patients as they proceed through the diverse and complex phases of the condition.
