We explored MANY options and are choosing the one that will offer all of our members the best user experience, easier navigation, better integration of content, chat and so many functional bells and whistles! This move is a massive upgrade for all of us and we can’t wait to share it with you <3

@Grace Yerkes Wow! Love what you’re about and your reason for being here. We will be delivering on everything you mentioned and as things evolve here please speak up so we are meeting your (and everyone’s) expectations, wants and needs

Amazing question! This is such a rare and relatively new Dx (1st described in 2007 by Dalmau and colleagues - unknown prevalence) so I want to help bring everyone up to speed about what it is and what SOME of the evidence is saying (Phil and the rest of you should weigh in). Also, since we are all at different levels of learning I’m going to start with the very basics and advance from there - Anti-NMDA = Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate - Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis = typically an autoimmune disease that attacks our NMDA receptors (read below to understand more!). - Anti-NMDA receptor Encephalitis is primarily found in women and common clinical features include: auditory / visual hallucinations, delusions, behavioral changes (frequently w/ agitation), impaired consciousness, motor disturbance (ranging from dyskinesia to catatonia), seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. Frequently referred to as “Brain on Fire” The brain’s cells (neurons) that send and receive the electrical impulses that control our body are specialized (one neuron may process information on pain and temperature but have nothing to do with visual perception or learning new information). Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that send information from neuron to neuron which is also specialized. For a neurotransmitter to move signals/info through a neuron, it first has to "unlock" it which is where receptors come in. NMDA receptors are a critical part of Neuroplasticity (the resilient ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization); as we age, our NMDA receptors naturally become less functional. If the neurons stay in an excited state for too long, they can become overstimulated and start to function poorly (like me after 11pm). Eventually, they become so overexcited that they die (excitotoxicity). To keep excitotoxicity from killing our brain cells, we have neurotransmitters that calm the neurons (inhibitors). When our brains are healthy and functioning properly, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters are generally able to keep things in balance so our neurons aren't in jeopardy of overstimulation. Likewise, when a receptor is malfunctioning as is the case for Anti-NMDA, then we may start losing neurons to excitotoxicity, which are irreplaceable.

Seattle, Washington. I’m currently part of a PACE program which overs clinical/outpatient and home care. It’s incredible. I was at a SNF for 7 years before that, DOR for 2 of those, our resident go-to for Neuro, TBI, amputations and Cognition. Favorite setting to date was Inpatient. I’m so excited to be around so many people who are as hungry to learn, grow and excel in their personal and professional lives. Even more excited for the content planned for Neuro U and what we can learn from each other as we move forward