Puzzling brain disease could now be better diagnosed, treated

Scientists at the OHSU Vollum Institute develop animal model for disease chronicled in the memoir, film ‘Brain on Fire’

By Erik Robinson July 10, 2019 Portland, Oregon

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Gary Westbrook, M.D., talks about the new animal model identified to study NMDA receptor encephalitis. (OHSU)

A 3D printed model of the part of the NMDA receptor that is attacked by a brain disease, chronicled in Susannah Cahalan's autobiography "Brain on Fire." Scientists at the OHSU Vollum Institute have developed an animal model to study the disease. (OHSU)

Gary Westbrook, M.D., (2019)

Gary Westbrook, M.D., senior scientist in the Vollum Institute. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Eric Gouaux, Ph.D.

Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a senior scientist in the OHSU Vollum Institute. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)