Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of ADEM. Comparisons may be useful for a diagnosis?: Differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that may explain symptoms. সহজ বাংলা: একই লক্ষণের সম্ভাব্য রোগের তালিকা।" data-rx-term="differential diagnosis" data-rx-definition="Differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that may explain symptoms. সহজ বাংলা: একই লক্ষণের সম্ভাব্য রোগের তালিকা।">differential diagnosis?.

Multiple sclerosis? is a chronic? neuroimmunology (both the nervous system and the immunological system are involved) disorder of the central nervous system involving the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Using a mechanism not clearly understood, the protective fatty, insulating substance called myelin sheath that covers the nerve is destroyed. The inflammatory attacks that produce the characteristic scarring (plaques or patches) of the myelin sheath occur randomly and vary in intensity and are found at multiple sites. The course of the disease may advance, relapse?, remit, or stabilize. The randomness of the location of plaques or patches affects the nerve’s ability to transmit information (neurotransmission) and causes a wide range of neurological symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Some researchers believe that multiple sclerosis and ADEM are part of a continuum of diseases. (For more information on this disorder, choose “multiple sclerosis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Neuromyelitis Optica, also known as Devic disease (DD), is a chronic? disorder of nerve tissue characterized by infection?, or irritation, often causing pain?, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation? of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) and inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis). There appear to be two forms of this disease. In the classical, but less common type, there is a series of attacks over a short period (days or weeks) but, after the initial outburst, there are seldom repeat incidents. The second form is more common and is characterized by repeated attacks separated by periods of remission?. In this form, the interval between attacks may be weeks, months, or years. Neuromyelitis Optica can cause pain and vision loss of the eyes and weakness?, numbness?, and sometimes paralysis of the arms and legs. Neuromyelitis Optica is believed to be an autoimmune? disorder. (For more information on this disorder, choose “neuromyelitis optica” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder of the spine caused by inflammation? across the spinal cord. It is sometimes associated with the term myelopathy?, which refers to any disorder of the spinal cord. However, transverse myelitis is a more specific term for inflammation (myelitis) across the width of the spinal cord (transverse) that results in a changed function below this level while function remains normal above. Symptoms are related to movement and sensory functions. This disorder occurs in both adults and children, and typically begins with the rather rapid development of symptoms over several hours, days, or weeks. Symptoms may include lower back pain?, weakness in the legs and arms, sensory disturbance, spasms leading to gradual paralysis, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. In most cases, this is a disorder that occurs on a single occasion, although a small number of individuals may experience recurrence. The initial occurrence may be followed, over several weeks or months, by a period of recovery, although this does not happen in all cases. There is considerable variability in the degree of recovery achieved. Transverse myelitis may occur following viral or bacterial infections, especially those associated with a rash, spinal cord injuries, or immune reactions. (For more information on this disorder, choose “transverse myelitis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHL) is believed to be a severe, hyperacute form of ADEM. This variant is associated with the rapid onset of fever, headaches, vomiting neck stiffness, seizures, and various neurological signs, usually following a viral infection or vaccination. AHL is often associated with rapid deterioration and life-threatening complications such as fluid accumulation within the brain (brain edema) as soon as one week after onset. Despite the severe, rapid course, there have been reports within the medical literature of favorable neurological outcomes in individuals treated promptly and aggressively.

A variety of additional disorders can present with signs and symptoms that are similar to those found in ADEM. Such disorders include another inflammatory, demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (in addition to multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica) including Behcet’s disease and neurosarcoidosis; vascular disorders affecting the central nervous system such as prothrombotic conditions, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, sickle cell anemia, Susac syndrome, and CADASIL; certain malignancies such as central nervous system lymphoma or glioblastoma multiforme; and a variety of toxic, nutritional and metabolic disorders including vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, mercury poisoning, Marchiafava-Bignami disease, the organic acidurias, and the inherited leukodystrophies. (For more information on these disorders, choose the specific disorder name as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.

Symptoms