What is acute demyelinating disease?

This is a low-incidence central nervous system pathology characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that affects myelin, which is the layer of lipids or fat that protects the nerve fibers that form the cerebral white matter.

Acute demyelinating disease most frequently affects children, but it can occur at any age. Although the cause is unknown, all indications suggest it is due to a viral or bacterial infection, but it can also present, in rare cases, as a consequence of vaccines against measles, mumps, or rubella.

• Confusion.
• Seizure episodes.
• Muscle weakness, especially in arms and legs.
• Headache (migraine).
• Fatigue.
• Elevated temperature (fever).
• Unstable gait.
• Nausea.
• Problems with coordination and balance.
• Swallowing problems (dysphagia).
• Stiffness.
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Vomiting.

If not diagnosed in time, acute demyelinating disease can cause encephalitis and serious neurological damage leading to vision loss and motor paralysis, as well as coma.

Because it is often confused with multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases, the specialist will analyze your symptoms and medical history, then perform a physical examination and a neurological exam. They may also request other studies to rule out other diseases and confirm the diagnosis, such as:

• Blood tests.
• Genetic tests.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Computed tomography (CT).
• Lumbar puncture.

So far, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis has no cure, so the treatment consists of controlling the symptoms through:

• Drugs that modulate the immune system, such as steroids and immunoglobulins.
• Plasmapheresis.

At the Neurological Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors in the various neurological specialties are prepared to care for you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

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Radiology and Molecular Imaging
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