Objective To investigate the clinical features of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and the significance of anti-NMDAR antibody detection.Methods Thirty-five patients with encephalitis and 30 controls were selected in our hospital. Their clinical data were analyzed. Transfected cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect anti-NMDAR antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.Results Anti-NMDAR antibodies were detected in one patient with limbic encephalitis. This patient had an increased number of cells and mildly elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, as well as bilateral slow waves on EEG; there were obvious disorders in psychiatric symptoms and level of consciousness; the patient was responsive to early immunotherapy.Conclusions Anti-NMDAR encephalitis has low incidence and various clinical manifestations, and detection of anti-NMDAR antibodies may be needed for suspected cases.