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Updated: May 9, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Benign-onset acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: a report on two cases
Eylem Degirmenci1, Cagdas Erdogan, Attila Oguzhanoglu
1Pamukkale University, Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department, Denizli, Turkey. eylemteke@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The signs and symptoms of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis are heterogeneous and dependent on the location and severity of the inflammatory process. The meningoencephalitic presentation may include meningism, impaired consciousness (occasionally leading to coma), seizures and confusion, or behavioral disturbances. Multifocal neurological features include a combination of optic neuritis, visual field defects, cranial neuropathy, sensorimotor impairment, ataxia, aphasia, and involuntary movements. One definition of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is "an initial clinical event with a presumed inflammatory and demyelinating cause, with acute or sub-acute onset affecting multifocal areas of the central nervous system". Patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis frequently suffer from seizures, disturbances of consciousness, fever, and headaches, and occasionally there are focal signs and symptoms. Here, we report on two cases who presented with different symptoms, but the clinical findings that the patients showed were benign.
Insights
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) presents with varied neurological symptoms. This report details two benign cases of ADEM, highlighting diverse clinical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- ADEM is characterized by a sudden onset of multifocal neurological deficits.
- Clinical presentations are heterogeneous, influenced by lesion location and severity.
Observation:
- The study reports two cases of ADEM with distinct initial symptoms.
- Despite varied presentations, both patients exhibited benign clinical outcomes.
- This highlights the broad spectrum of ADEM manifestations.
Findings:
- ADEM can manifest with meningoencephalitic features like confusion, seizures, and impaired consciousness.
- Multifocal neurological signs such as optic neuritis, cranial neuropathies, and sensorimotor deficits are common.
- The two presented cases, though different, resolved favorably, indicating a benign course.
Implications:
- Understanding the diverse clinical spectrum of ADEM is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Recognizing benign presentations can aid in appropriate patient management and prognosis.
- Further research into ADEM's varied etiologies and outcomes is warranted.
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