Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological disorder characterized by inflammation and damage within the brain and spinal cord. It is considered an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.
In ADEM, the immune system launches an abnormal response to a previous infection or vaccination, leading to widespread inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation disrupts the protective coverings of nerve fibers and causes demyelination, meaning the loss of the fatty substance called myelin that insulates these fibers.
ADEM typically affects children and young adults, often following an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, but it can also occur after a vaccination or without a preceding illness. The symptoms usually develop rapidly over days to weeks and may include fever, headache, seizures, confusion, ataxia (problems with coordination and balance), weakness or paralysis in the limbs, vision changes, and behavioral changes.
Although ADEM can be severe and life-threatening in some cases, many individuals have a good recovery with early recognition and appropriate treatment. Treatments typically involve anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. In more severe cases, other immunosuppressive therapies may be used. Rehabilitation therapies and supportive care are also vital in helping patients regain lost function and improve their overall quality of life.
It is important to differentiate ADEM from other neurological conditions with similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis, as their treatment approaches and long-term outcomes may differ.
