Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, also known as ADEM, is a rare inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system after an infection caused by a virus or after vaccination. However, modern vaccines have reduced the risk of developing the disease and it is therefore very rare for ADEM to occur after vaccination.
ADEM happens mainly in children and the treatment is usually effective, and it can take up to 6 months for full recovery, however some patients can have lifelong injuries such as difficulties in reasoning, loss of vision and even numbness in some limbs of the body.
What are the signs and symptoms
The symptoms of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis usually appear at the end of treatment for infection of a virus and are related to movement and coordination of the body, because the brain and the entire central nervous system are affected.
The main symptoms of ADEM are:
- Slowness in movement; Decreased reflexes; Muscle paralysis; Fever; Drowsiness; Headache; Tiredness; Nausea and vomiting; Irritability; Depression.
As the brain of these patients is affected, seizures are also frequent. Know what to do in case of seizure.
Possible causes
ADEM is a syndrome that usually arises after a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. However, although it is rare, it can also develop after administration of a vaccine.
The viruses that most often cause acute disseminated encephalomyelitis are measles, rubella, mumps, influenza , parainfluenza, Epstein-Barr or HIV.
How the treatment is done
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is curable and treatment is done with an injection or steroid tablets. In more severe cases of the disease, blood transfusions may be necessary.
Treatment for Deep Disseminated Encephalomyelitis reduces symptoms, although certain people may have lifelong consequences, such as loss of vision or numbness in the limbs of the body.
