What is disseminated encephalomyelitis?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (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.

How is acute disseminated encephalomyelitis diagnosed?

No one test can spot ADEM. Doctors most often diagnose it with MRI (pictures of your brain made with a large magnet and radio waves) and a lumbar puncture (fluid drawn from around the spinal cord and then tested). Your doctor will try to rule out conditions with similar symptoms.

How can you tell the difference between ADEM and MS?

In most but not all cases, ADEM occurs only once, while patients with MS have further, repeated attacks of inflammation in their brains and spinal cords. In most cases, ADEM patients do not develop new scars on a repeat MRI scan whereas MS patients typically experience new scars on their follow-up MRI scans.

What is acute disseminated encephalitis and encephalomyelitis?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological, immune-mediated disorder in which widespread inflammation of the brain and spinal cord damages tissue known as white matter. White matter is tissue composed of nerve fibers, many of which are covered by a collection of fats and proteins known as myelin.

What are the symptoms of encephalomyelitis?

Encephalitis Symptoms

  • Fever.
  • Seizures.
  • Headache.
  • Movement disorders.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Sensitivity to sound.
  • Neck stiffness.
  • Loss of consciousness.

What causes encephalomyelitis?

Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles.

What is the meaning of encephalomyelitis?

Definition of encephalomyelitis : concurrent inflammation of the brain and spinal cord especially : equine encephalitis.

What is the difference between encephalitis and encephalomyelitis?

Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis; inflammation of the brain itself is called encephalitis. Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord. When both the brain and the spinal cord are involved, the condition is called encephalomyelitis.

What part of the brain is affected by encephalitis?

Common viruses This form of encephalitis usually affects the temporal lobe, the part of the brain that controls memory and speech. It can also affect the frontal lobe, the part that controls emotions and behavior. Encephalitis caused by herpes is dangerous and can lead to severe brain damage and death.

Is encephalitis viral or bacterial?

Infectious encephalitis is typically caused by a viral infection. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox have reduced the rate of encephalitis from these diseases, but other viruses can cause encephalitis.

What is the most common cause of encephalitis?

Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. measles, mumps and rubella viruses.