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A Chinese student developed a rare and severe illness after studying continuously. Photo: Freepik. |
Tan Tan, a 17-year-old girl, is a sophomore at a high school in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China (equivalent to grade 11 in Vietnam). In preparation for her final exams, Tan Tan’s mind is constantly under stress.
Recently, after completing 6 sets of exams overnight, Tan Tan started experiencing insomnia, non-stop babbling, and delusional behavior.
Seeing their daughter in distress, her family rushed her to a nearby psychosomatic rehabilitation department. Unfortunately, after one week of taking psychiatric medications, Tan Tan’s condition not only didn’t improve but also exhibited symptoms such as fever, inability to communicate with others, and numbness in her face and limbs. Faced with recurring episodes, Tan Tan’s parents had to rush her to the Hàn Kh?u Hospital in Wuhan for emergency treatment.
Dr. Nh?c Van Khanh, Deputy Head of the Intensive Care Unit, provided detailed consultation during Tan Tan’s health examination. He ordered an MRI of her brain and performed a lumbar puncture.
After a thorough examination, it was ultimately determined that Tan Tan had autoimmune encephalitis. This is a relatively severe form of encephalitis caused by antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. After treating the symptoms, Tan Tan gradually recovered and was able to return to school.
Dr. Nh?c added that autoimmune encephalitis or NMDA encephalitis is a rare form of acute encephalitis. The disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that target the Glutamate receptors in the brain (NMDA – N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors). These NMDA receptors play a role in transmitting nerve impulses related to memory, language, and the autonomic nervous system (heart rate, breathing).
In simple terms, the body’s immune system produces protective antibodies against a small structure on the surface of nerve cells in the brain (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors). This leads to damage to the nervous system and the neurological symptoms of the disease.
This is a very rare but serious condition. If left untreated, it can have unpredictable consequences as the immune cells mistakenly attack the brain tissue, mistaking it for a foreign antigen.
Why does this self-attack occur? Dr. Nh?c explained that the specific pathogenesis of autoimmune encephalitis is still unclear, but factors such as excessive fatigue, weakened immunity, and low immune capabilities can contribute to the disease.
After contracting the disease, patients may experience neurological abnormalities such as hallucinations, seizures, and altered consciousness. Tan Tan had to endure high levels of pressure for a long time, staying up late, which led to mental exhaustion, decreased immune function, and susceptibility to autoimmune attacks.
This story serves as a reminder, especially as the university entrance exams approach, for students to learn how to effectively manage their time and balance studying with rest. Parents should also help their children relieve stress, regulate their emotions, engage in suitable outdoor sports, and maintain a positive mindset.
Remember, the clinical manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis are complex and can easily be confused and misdiagnosed. Early detection and treatment are crucial to minimize or avoid long-term complications.
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Continuous 6 test sessions, 17-year-old girl suffering from autoimmune encephalitis
After completing 6 exam sets in one night, the 17-year-old girl began experiencing insomnia, incessantly talking nonsense, and displaying delusional behavior.
