Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis: Clinical characteristics and outcome
Ahmed Farag Elhassanien1, Hesham Abdel Aziz
1Faculty of Medicine, Elmansoura University, Egypt.
Insights
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an uncommon neurological condition in children. This study highlights its clinical features and outcomes, emphasizing its importance in pediatric neurology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare but significant neurological disorder.
- ADEM is often under-recognized in clinical practice.
- Understanding ADEM's presentation is crucial for timely diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric ADEM.
- To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes in children diagnosed with ADEM.
- To enhance awareness of ADEM among healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted in Kuwait from January 2009 to January 2011.
- Inclusion criteria: patients admitted with acute neurological symptoms and signs.
- Analysis of clinical, microbiological, and radiological data.
Main Results:
- 21 pediatric patients met ADEM criteria out of 48 presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Common symptoms included motor deficits, seizures, and altered consciousness, often preceded by upper respiratory infections.
- Brain MRI revealed typical bilateral, asymmetric supratentorial white matter lesions.
Conclusions:
- ADEM should be considered in children presenting with acute neurological symptoms.
- Distinguishing ADEM from other acute neurological insults is critical for appropriate management.
- This study underscores the need for increased recognition of ADEM in pediatric populations.
Background:
ADEM, although relatively uncommon, is probably under-recognized.
Objectives:
To spotlight the clinical profile and therapeutic outcome of children with ADEM.
Materials And Methods:
This is a prospective study of patients with ADEM who were admitted to the Pediatric Departments in Aladan and Alfarawanya Hospitals in Kuwait, from January 2009 to January 2011. Clinical, microbiological and radiological data were analyzed.
Results:
Of 48 patients presented with acute neurological symptoms and signs, 21 patients fulfilled criteria for ADEM. 80.95% of cases were presenting in winter and spring, 57% of patients had a history of upper respiratory tract illness. The commonest presentations were motor deficits, convulsions and altered consciousness. CSF virology studies showed herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (3 patients) whereas nasal and nasopharyngeal swab showed evidence of influenza H1N1 virus (1 patient). Brain MRI was performed in all patients and revealed multiple hyperintense supratentorial brain lesions on T2/FLAIR images. 85.7% of patients had cortical and/or subcortical white matter lesions which were bilateral and asymmetric in location and size.
Conclusion:
ADEM although rare must be considered in children with acute onset of neurological signs and symptoms and must be distinguished from any acute neurological insult.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Arboviral Encephalitis
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Viral Meningitis
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
