NMDAR-antibody encephalitis (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis) is a rare but devastating type of brain inflammation that mainly affects children and young adults.

Symptoms are rapidly progressive and include loss of speech, seizures, confusion, memory loss, behavioural changes and abnormal movements.

Thankfully, most children will survive after prompt treatment with immune-dampening drugs, but their recovery will usually be slow, and they may face long-lasting difficulties – which can seriously impact on their education, employment and quality of life.

That's why we're funding research, led by Dr Michael Eyre at King’s College London, that could unlock the best treatments for children fighting this cruel disease.