NINDS Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
Synonym(s): Postinfectious Encephalomyelitis, Immune-Mediated Encephalomyelitis
Reviewed 12-14-2001

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADE) is a neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by damage to the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering, which acts as an insulator, on nerve fibers in the brain. ADE may occur in association with a viral or bacterial infection, as a complication of inoculation or vaccination, or without a preceding cause. Onset of the disorder is sudden. Symptoms, which vary among individuals, may include headache, delirium, lethargy, coma, seizures, stiff neck, fever, ataxia, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, vomiting, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include monoparesis (paralysis of a single limb) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body). The disorder occurs in children more often than in adults.

Is there any treatment?
Generally, treatment for ADE includes corticosteroid medications. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with ADE varies. Some patients achieve complete or nearly complete recovery while others may have residual deficits. Some severe cases of ADE may be fatal. Overall, the prognosis is good when the disorder is diagnosed early and treated promptly.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on demyelinating disorders, such as ADE, aimed at increasing understanding of these disorders, and finding ways to prevent and cure them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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