Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (pronounced: a-kyoot dis-sem-uh-nay-ted en-sef-uh-lo-my-uh-li-tis), often abbreviated as ADEM, is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "acute disseminated encephalomyelitis" is derived from the Greek words "akutus" (meaning sharp or sudden), "diaspeirein" (meaning to sow throughout), "enkephalos" (meaning brain), and "myelos" (meaning marrow or spinal cord).
Definition
ADEM is characterized by a brief but widespread attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin – the protective covering of nerve fibers. ADEM often follows viral or bacterial infections, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of ADEM include headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, vision loss, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ADEM typically involves a combination of clinical history, neurological examination, and supporting results from investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
Treatment
Treatment for ADEM primarily involves anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord. In severe cases, plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may be used.
Prognosis
The prognosis for ADEM varies. Some individuals may make a full recovery, while others may have mild to severe long-term neurological damage.
See also
References
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