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What is ADEM?

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What is ADEM?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological, immune-mediated disorder in which widespread inflammation of the brain and spinal cord damages tissue known as white matter. White matter is tissue composed of nerve fibers, many of which are covered by a collection of fats and proteins known as myelin.

What are the symptoms of ADEM?

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) | Symptoms & Causes

  • nausea and vomiting.
  • headache.
  • confusion.
  • weakness.
  • ataxia (unsteady walk)
  • sensory changes, including numbness or tingling.
  • optic neuritis (trouble with vision)
  • seizures.

Can ADEM turn into MS?

More severe cases that can result in lasting impairment are rare. According to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center, “a small proportion” of people diagnosed with ADEM eventually develop MS. MS worsens over time, and there’s no cure. Treatment may be ongoing.

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How is ADEM treated?

ADEM is usually treated with steroid medications such as methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol). This medication is administered intravenously for five to seven days. You may also need to take oral steroids, such as prednisone (Deltasone), for a short time.

Can you get ADEM as an adult?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, can happen to anyone, but affects children more often than adults. This rare neurological disorder often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection.

Is ADEM an autoimmune disease?

ADEM is thought to be an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own healthy cells and tissues as foreign and mounts an attack against them. This attack results in inflammation.

Do adults get ADEM?

Is ADEM progressive?

The onset of ADEM is acute and rapidly progressive, and it is characterized by multifocal neurologic symptoms that require early hospitalization.

Can ADEM happen twice?

ADEM usually only occurs once, sometimes twice. Multiple attacks are very rare so may require further tests and discussion to confirm the diagnosis.

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Is ADEM life threatening?

Severe cases of ADEM can be fatal but this is a very rare occurrence. ADEM can recur, usually within months of the initial diagnosis, and is treated by restarting corticosteroids.

What is the recovery time for ADEM disease?

For most individuals, recovery begins within days, and within six months the majority of ADEM patients will have total or near total recoveries. Others may have mild to moderate lifelong impairment ranging from cognitive difficulties, weakness, loss of vision, or numbness.

Can Covid cause ADEM?

Dr. Pitt told NBC that there have been dozens of case reports pinpointing COVID-19 as the trigger for ADEM.