Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, also known as ADEM, is a disease of the central nervous system. Here you will find important facts about what it is and how it affects people.
What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis is a serious neurological condition that can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and seizures. ADEM is caused by a virus and can be fatal in some cases. ADEM is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50 but can also occur in children and young adults. There are three main types of ADEM: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), subacute disseminated encephalomyelitis (SDE), and chronic disseminated encephalomyelitis (CDE).
ADEM is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses such as the human coronavirus and enterovirus can also cause ADEM. The most common cause of death in people with ADEM is due to complications from the virus, such as pneumonia or sepsis. However, in some cases the virus may eventually cause brain damage or death.
There is no cure for ADEM, but there are treatments available that may improve the patient’s symptoms. Treatment options include antiviral medications, supportive care, and sometimes surgery.
Clinical Features of ADEM
ADEM is a rare and often fatal neurological disease.
Symptoms typically begin with a fever, headache, sore throat, and neck stiffness. Then, other symptoms may develop, including seizures, confusion, and loss of balance or coordination. In severe cases, the person may develop coma, paralysis, and death.
ADEM is caused by infection with a virus called encephalomyelitis viruses (EMV). There are three types of EMV: Eastern equine (EEE), western equine (WEE), and Hendra virus (HV). EEE is the most common type in the U.S., accounting for about 60% of cases. HV is found mostly in Australia and New Zealand. WEE is more common in Europe and Asia. ADEM can affect any age group but is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. The cause of ADEM is still not fully understood, but it appears to be related to an abnormal immune response to the virus. There is no known cure for ADEM, and treatment mainly involves relieving the symptoms until the person recovers or dies.
Types of ADEM
There are many different types of ADEM, but all share some key features. ADEM is a severe and often rapid-onset viral infection of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause paralysis, coma, and death. ADEM most commonly affects children and young adults, and it’s most commonly caused by the adenovirus type 4 (A4). However, other viruses can also cause ADEM, including the coronavirus (responsible for severe respiratory illness in humans), rhinovirus (a common cold virus), and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV).
ADEM usually starts with a fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Within a few days, people usually develop rash all over their body and a decreased level of consciousness. Later on, people may experience seizures or loss of movement in their arms or legs. The symptoms can rapidly get worse if left untreated, leading to coma or even death. While there is no cure for ADEM currently available, there are many treatments available that can help improve the patient’s condition.
ADEM is a serious viral infection that can quickly lead to serious health complications if not treated quickly. There are many different
Causes of ADEM
ADEM is a rare, acute neurologic disorder caused by a virus. ADEM is most commonly caused by the Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), but can also be caused by the related Coxsackievirus B19 (CB19).
ADEM typically affects adults, but can also occur in children. It is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 40, but can also affect younger adults. ADEM is highly contagious and can spread quickly through close contact with infected individuals.
There are three types of ADEM: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), subacute disseminated encephalomyelitis (SDEM), and chronic disseminated encephalomyelitis (CDEM). Each type of ADEM has its own specific set of symptoms and causes.
ADEM most often manifests as a fever, headache, neck stiffness, and memory problems. However, it can also cause seizures, paralysis, and death.
There is no cure for ADEM, but there are treatments available that may help improve symptoms. ADEM is considered a serious condition and should be treated with the utmost caution.
Management
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a serious neurological infection caused by the virus Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). ADEM is most commonly seen in young children, but can affect adults as well. EV-D68 is a member of the family of viruses that cause colds and the flu.
The virus is spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected animal, such as a pet or livestock. ADEM is not contagious when a person has symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of ADEM typically develop within two days after exposure to the virus and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, seizures may occur. The disease can lead to permanent brain damage if not treated quickly. There is no cure for ADEM, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage to the brain.
ADEM is most commonly caused by EV-D68, but it can also be caused by other members of the Enterovirus family, including EV-A71
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