All::Neurology::Diseases::Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Intro

What is the common presentation of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?

  • After a lag time of between a few days to 2 months, there is an acute onset of multifocal neurological symptoms with rapid deterioration.
  • non-specific signs: headache, fever, nausea and vomiting

What is the management of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?

intravenous glucocorticoids and the consideration of IVIG where this fails

What are the investigation findings of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?

MRI imaging may show areas of supra and infra-tentorial demyelination

What is the pathophysiology of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?

  • Autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system
  • The aetiology is not fully understood and it can occur following infection with a bacterial or viral pathogen

What are the main risk factors of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis?

Common infections include measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, however this list is not exhaustive.