brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Other Primary Demyelinating Diseases
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
This rare type of inflammation leads to Overview of Demyelinating Disorders of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is more common among children than among adults. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis usually develops after a viral infection. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is thought to be a misguided immune reaction triggered by the virus. In the United States, this disorder usually results from some types of Influenza (Flu) , Typically, the inflammation develops 1 to 3 weeks after the viral illness begins. Symptoms of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis appear rapidly. At first, people may have a fever, a headache, nausea, and vomiting and feel tired. When the disorder is severe, it can cause seizures and coma. Vision in one or both eyes may be lost. Muscles may become weak, and coordination may be impaired, making walking difficult. People may become paralyzed. Sensation may be lost in parts of the body, making them feel numb. Mental function (including thinking, judgment, and learning) may be affected. Most people recover within days, and within 6 months, most have totally or almost totally recovered. Other people may remain impaired the rest of their life. Muscles may remain weak, and areas of the body may remain numb. People may not recover their vision or mental function. A doctor's evaluation Doctors may be able to diagnose acute disseminated encephalomyelitis based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done. A Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture) may be done to check for meningitis or a brain infection (encephalitis). Blood tests may be done to check for other disorders that cause similar symptoms. Corticosteroids Immune globulin or plasma exchange Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis can be treated with corticosteroids given intravenously. Immune globulin and Plateletpheresis (platelet donation) may also be effective. These treatments may be used with or without corticosteroids. Immune globulin consists of antibodies obtained from the blood of people with a normal immune system. For plasma exchange, blood is withdrawn, abnormal antibodies are removed from it, and the blood is returned to the person. 