New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a devastating clinical condition that often leads to severe disability. Intrathecal dexamethasone (IT-DEX) has been reported to improve refractory status epilepticus. We present an 11-year-old female with anti-GAD 65 encephalitis presenting as NORSE who had minimal response to standard anti-seizure medications and first-line immunotherapies. The patient received 6 doses of IT-DEX in conjunction with rituximab which correlated with subsequent decreased neuroinflammation, reduced seizure burden and aided in weaning anesthetic infusions. Our case with literature review suggests IT-DEX may be utilized as an early intervention in those with refractory status epilepticus from various etiologies.
Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; Cytokines; Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody; Intrathecal dexamethasone; New-onset refractory status epilepticus.
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