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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
07:33
A Simple Composite Phenotype Scoring System for Evaluating Mouse Models of Cerebellar Ataxia
Published on: May 21, 2010
[A girl with rapidly progressive ataxia]
Levinus A Bok1, Feico Jan Halbertsma
1Maxima Medisch Centrum, afd. Pediatrie en Neonatale IC, Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 19, 2011
Summary
A pediatric case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was diagnosed in a 4-year-old girl presenting with headache and ataxia. Coxsackievirus infection was identified as a potential trigger for the neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- Pediatric ADEM can present with diverse neurological symptoms, often following an infection or vaccination.
- Identifying triggers and understanding ADEM's presentation in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old female presented with a 4-week history of headache and a 1-day history of ataxia.
- The patient had a preceding history of stomatitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a positive test for coxsackievirus.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated multiple white matter lesions.
- The clinical presentation and MRI findings were consistent with a diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
- Coxsackievirus infection was identified as a potential preceding event.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering coxsackievirus as a potential trigger for ADEM in children.
- Early recognition of ADEM symptoms like headache and ataxia in pediatric patients is essential.
- Further research into the link between enteroviral infections and ADEM pathogenesis is warranted.
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