Opercular myoclonic-anarthric status epilepticus due to glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-associated encephalitis

We report a patient who was diagnosed with opercular myoclonic-anarthric status epilepticus and found to have glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA)-associated encephalitis, a previously unrecognised aetiology of this condition. The patient was a 23-year-old female admitted for investigation of focal myoclonic status epilepticus in the right side of the face and glossopharyngeal area. Intravenous corticosteroid was administered and improvement was observed in seizure activity and overall general health. A video sequence of opercular myoclonia is included. Due to the presence of inflammatory elements based on brain MRIand CSF studies, a decision to investigate autoimmune encephalitiswas undertaken. Anti-GAD65 radioimmunoassay was markedly positive. This case study highlights the need for awareness of the clinical presentation of GADA-associated encephalitis.