A father of two is currently facing severe challenges, including seizures and hallucinations, after an emergency visit unveiled that he is struggling with a rare brain condition.

Ryan Alto, 48, first noticed flu-like symptoms in October 2024, leading to bouts of disorientation.

After a week of no improvement, his wife, Jennifer, persuaded him to seek help at St. Joseph Hospital in Arcata, California. Within hours of arrival, Ryan became unresponsive and began experiencing hallucinations.

Over the following five days, Ryan suffered seizures that led to cardiac arrest, and he could no longer recognize his loved ones.

As his health continued to decline, he was airlifted to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center for urgent care.

After two weeks of extensive testing while remaining unresponsive, Ryan was diagnosed with Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis—a rare neuroimmunological disorder.

This condition prompts the body to produce antibodies that attack brain receptors, resulting in inflammation and a variety of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including difficulties in speech and motor functions.

In the U.S., approximately one in 1.5 million individuals—around 6.6%—is diagnosed with adult-onset anti-NMDA encephalitis.

Ryan Alto, 48, a father of two, is struggling with seizures and hallucinations after being diagnosed with a rare brain disease.

Ryan’s situation worsened when doctors detected blood clots in his body, increasing his risk for seizures.

Jennifer shared on Facebook: ‘His condition has become complicated due to the presence of blood clots, necessitating continuous high-dose anticoagulation, which restricts certain aspects of his treatment.’

The illness led Ryan to fall into a coma lasting eight weeks. Even upon awakening, he struggled to walk or lift his arms and continued experiencing delusions, including believing a stuffed dog was real.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an exceptionally rare autoimmune disease that was identified only in 2007.

In this condition, the body generates antibodies that target the NMDA receptors in the brain, which are crucial for learning and memory. Initially, patients may exhibit psychiatric symptoms, including issues with speech, seizures, and hallucinations. As the condition progresses, neurological symptoms, such as involuntary movements and altered consciousness, can emerge.

Key triggers for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis include malignancies, particularly ovarian and extra-ovarian teratomas, as well as herpes simplex encephalitis, which occurs when a herpes infection affects the brain.

Although the exact cause of Ryan’s condition remains uncertain, carcinomas (cancer originating from the lining of organs) can also contribute to the onset of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in individuals over 45.

Approximately eight weeks after entering a coma, Ryan’s condition began to show signs of recovery, but he has remained hospitalized for 19 weeks.

Despite improvements in his health, he still experiences memory difficulties and neurological symptoms, including an inability to recognize family members.

Jennifer stated, ‘Ryan is showing unusual psychiatric behavior, speech difficulties, and has started trembling during episodes. Fortunately, doctors have ruled out any seizure activity.’

‘Though he can’t speak due to a tracheostomy, I can see his spirit fighting through his eyes. Now, nearly 19 weeks later, Ryan is still hospitalized. His brain is recovering, but it’s a lengthy and arduous journey.’

The rare brain condition caused Ryan to enter an eight-week coma, leaving him unable to walk or engage with reality.

Jennifer expressed her concerns about the complications arising from Ryan’s blood clots, which necessitate continuous anticoagulation treatment.

In a Facebook update on December 15, Jennifer noted, ‘Ryan is making significant strides. He can now follow movement with his eyes, suck on ice chips, and lift his arms and legs, as well as his torso off the bed. He can even speak with the help of a speaking valve on his tracheostomy.’

‘With these major improvements also come challenges. NMDA encephalitis can cause short-term memory loss (often temporary). Much like the film “50 First Dates,” Ryan’s brain resets every few minutes, creating immense frustration for him.’

Due to Ryan’s critical condition and slow recovery process, the Alto family sought admission to a specialized neurological rehabilitation facility but faced rejections from multiple centers because of his limited mobility, tracheostomy, and other health complications.

‘Ryan’s next steps have been filled with extreme stress. We had high hopes for his admission to a neurorehabilitation center, but he’s been denied by all of them due to his inability to perform three hours of physical therapy daily,’ Jennifer shared.

Eventually, Ryan was accepted into the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago for further treatment.

To assist with medical expenses and travel, a family friend, Kelly Helms, launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Jennifer shared on Facebook that Ryan is making great progress in therapy and can perform several physical actions.

Ryan has been accepted into Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago for treatment.

Currently, the GoFundMe has raised $104,154 of its $110,000 target.

On February 10, Jennifer expressed gratitude for the financial support received from family, friends, and even strangers.

She remarked: ‘Never did I imagine that this could happen or that we would be so blessed with donations from so many generous friends, families, and even strangers. Ryan, Lexie, Nathan, and I are incredibly fortunate. The funds not only cover his flight but also provide a financial buffer should Blue Shield decide to discontinue his rehabilitation.’

‘Now, I can extend the stay if necessary. From the outset, I’ve prayed for a rehab facility that comprehends Ryan’s diagnosis, and we found the perfect one just when I was starting to lose hope.’

‘Thanks to all of your kindness, generosity, and prayers, we’ll be packing our winter coats and hopefully leaving here soon. I love you all dearly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

‘Upon his recovery, I look forward to expressing just how much love and appreciation he has received. Your donations, messages, calls, and prayers mean the world to us.’

‘This journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, but your support has been our anchor. We eagerly await Ryan’s healing and his return home, where we can personally thank each of you.’

The family estimates that Ryan’s recovery may take anywhere from six months to a year, yet they remain optimistic that ‘with the right care and therapy, Ryan can overcome this.’