@article {Azizi312, author = {Shayan Azizi and Diamler L. Vadlamuri and Louis A. Cannizzaro}, title = {Treatment of Anti-GAD65 Autoimmune Encephalitis With Methylprednisolone}, volume = {21}, number = {3}, pages = {312--315}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.31486/toj.20.0096}, publisher = {Ochsner Journal}, abstract = {Background: Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (anti-GAD65) antibody encephalitis is a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis that can lead to severe neurologic impairment, coma, and death.Case Report: We present the case of a 54-year-old male with severely altered mental status and profound neurologic impairment who rapidly progressed to a comatose state. Because of the patient{\textquoteright}s rapidly deteriorating status, lack of yield with diagnostic testing, and lack of clinical improvement with broad empiric treatments, the clinical decision was made to treat the patient with high-dose methylprednisolone, and the treatment returned the patient to his baseline mental status. After the patient{\textquoteright}s discharge, the autoimmune encephalitis panel returned positive for anti-GAD65 antibodies.Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of considering a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis for patients with rapidly deteriorating mental status. Unless contraindicated, treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids can be successful for these patients. This case also shows a potential association between hypothyroidism and anti-GAD65 antibodies.}, issn = {1524-5012}, URL = {https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/21/3/312}, eprint = {https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/21/3/312.full.pdf}, journal = {Ochsner Journal} }