L.R. v. HHS - MMR, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (“anti-NMDAR”) encephalitis (2024)

L.R., a four-year-old boy, received multiple vaccines on August 4, 2014. His grandmother filed a petition alleging these vaccines caused him to develop anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis.

The medical records indicate L.R. developed symptoms including leg pain, altered mental status, hallucinations, and involuntary movements starting approximately three to four days after vaccination. He was hospitalized for an extended period and diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, confirmed by positive antibody tests in his spinal fluid.

Petitioner's expert, Dr. Steinman, proposed a molecular mimicry theory, suggesting similarities between vaccine components and NMDA receptors triggered an autoimmune response.

Respondent's expert, Dr. Lancaster, countered that the timing was too early for a vaccine-induced autoimmune response and suggested a preceding strep throat infection was a more likely cause.

The court found that Petitioner failed to establish a preponderant evidence link between the vaccines and L.R.'s condition, specifically noting the lack of evidence for pre-existing antibodies and the presence of a potential alternative cause (strep throat). The petition was dismissed.