Ben Tarver, a 29-year-old man from Folkestone, Kent, is currently fighting for his life in intensive care after what began as a series of disturbing nightmares evolved into symptoms of a rare and potentially deadly brain disease. The nightmare, which involved Ben being trapped in a burning house, marked the start of a terrifying journey that left him critically ill and battling for survival.
A Nightmare Turns into Reality
On the night of September 11, Ben awoke from what he described as something worse than a nightmare. He explained to his partner, Liam Nougher, that he felt trapped in the dream, experiencing the terror of a burning house as though it were real. This distressing experience left him terrified to sleep, fearing he would return to the horrific nightmare.
Over the following days, Ben’s symptoms worsened dramatically. Panic attacks, severe headaches, hallucinations, and even seizures began to plague him. However, after two visits to A&E and normal scans, doctors dismissed his symptoms, leaving the couple feeling increasingly frustrated.
A Rapid Deterioration
Despite multiple hospital visits, Ben’s condition continued to deteriorate. His panic attacks grew more frequent, and after a particularly severe episode, he suffered his first seizure. Liam called 999, and paramedics rushed to the scene. Despite efforts to stabilize him, Ben had several more seizures, and his symptoms became more erratic. In addition to the seizures, he began experiencing audio and visual hallucinations and became increasingly paranoid.
Doctors struggled to identify the cause of Ben’s rapidly deteriorating condition. He was discharged from the hospital after three days without a seizure, only to experience another severe episode that night. His symptoms intensified, leading to a terrifying seizure on the third day that required immediate medical intervention.
The Diagnosis: Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Finally, after a series of terrifying episodes, Ben was transferred to Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis on October 15. This rare and life-threatening neurological autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack NMDA receptors in the brain, disrupting normal brain function and causing inflammation (encephalitis).
The condition typically manifests with altered mental states, behavioral changes, hallucinations, seizures, and sleep disturbances. It is a serious disease that can lead to long-term brain damage or death if left untreated. Although the condition affects approximately one in 1.5 million people each year, it is often triggered by a tumor, such as an ovarian teratoma. However, in Ben’s case, doctors were unable to locate any tumors, adding another layer of mystery to his condition.
Intensive Care and Ongoing Struggles
Since his diagnosis, Ben has been receiving treatment at King’s College Hospital in London, where he remains in the intensive care unit, unable to communicate and bedridden. His partner, Liam, has been by his side throughout the ordeal, though the strain of the daily commute from Kent has made it financially and emotionally challenging.
Liam describes Ben’s mental state during his hospital stay as increasingly erratic. “Across the nine days in hospital, Ben became extremely paranoid and was trying to run away and attack people. His symptoms got so bad he didn’t seem like himself at all,” Liam shared. Despite this, he has remained a constant presence at Ben’s bedside, hoping for recovery.
A Strong Immune System Complicates Recovery
One of the key aspects of Ben’s illness, as described by Liam, is that his immune system is unusually strong. This, while a positive trait in general, may be hindering Ben’s recovery. “If he had a weaker immune system, he likely would have recovered from this as his body would have given up producing antibodies,” Liam explained. As Ben’s immune system continues to attack his brain, doctors are unsure of how long his recovery will take or what the long-term outcomes might be.
A Rare and Deadly Disease
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis is one of the most severe autoimmune diseases that affect the brain. While the disorder can be managed with immunotherapy and supportive care, it is often a race against time to prevent irreversible brain damage. The rarity of the condition means that many medical professionals may not recognize the symptoms immediately, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
For now, Ben remains in intensive care, fighting for his life. Liam continues to visit him daily, despite the strain, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the costs of Ben’s care and Liam’s travel expenses.
As Ben’s family and friends continue to hope for his recovery, this story serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of rare diseases, the importance of early diagnosis, and the unwavering support of loved ones in times of crisis.
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain’s NMDA receptors. Symptoms include altered mental states, hallucinations, seizures, and sleep disturbances. While the condition is often linked to tumors, the underlying cause is not always clear. Treatment typically involves immunotherapy, but the condition remains a major cause of brain inflammation and dysfunction.
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