Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an acute, inflammatory, monophasic, demyelinating and immune-mediated disorder of central nervous system; occurs mostly in children after systemic viral infections or vaccinations. Acute polysymptomatic neurologic signs such as encephalopathy, paralysis of limbs, cranial nerve involvement, ataxia and optic neuritis are common manifestations. Brain magnetic resonance imaging study is essential for diagnosis and enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment. Evidence of multifocal lesions of demyelination in subcortical white matter are seen. They are usually bilateral and asymmetrical. Treatment optins have included steroids, immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis. ADEM is treatable and prognosis is good.