Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: complication of a vaccine preventable disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare autoimmune disorder causing central nervous system inflammation and demyelination.
• Viral infections and vaccinations are known triggers for ADEM.
• Mumps, a common viral illness, can occasionally lead to severe neurological sequelae.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old girl presented with sudden onset of flaccid paraparesis and vision loss.
• Cerebral MRI revealed widespread patchy demyelination.
• The patient had preceding bilateral parotid swelling, and mumps was confirmed serologically.

Findings:

• The patient experienced a significant clinical recovery following treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin.
• The neurological symptoms were directly linked to a confirmed mumps infection.
• This case illustrates a rare but severe neurological manifestation of mumps.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical role of mumps vaccination in preventing serious neurological complications like ADEM.
• It emphasizes the need for robust public health policies to ensure widespread vaccination coverage.
• Healthcare providers should consider mumps as a potential cause of ADEM in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations.