What is acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis

Condition analysis:
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin – the protective covering of nerve fibers. It often follows viral infection, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella.

Treatment for ADEM is targeted at suppressing inflammation in the brain using anti-inflammatory drugs. Most individuals respond to intravenous corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone. When corticosteroids fail to work, plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy has been shown to produce improvement. Additional treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Instructions:
Supportive Care: Supportive care includes airway protection in patients with altered mental status and mechanical ventilation if required. Patients with cervical myelitis may require mechanical ventilation. Other supportive includes: antiseizure medication in patients with seizures, correction of fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and prophylactic anticoagulation for prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients with high risk.