[Post-infectious demyelinating diseases]

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 1, 2026

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
09:38

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

C Medina-Malo1, A Castillo, S Castaño

  • 1Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital de la Misericordia, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia.

Revista De Neurologia
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Post-infectious demyelinating disorders, often viral, present with neurological symptoms like motor changes. Diagnosis relies on neuroimaging and CSF analysis, with supportive care being the primary management strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Post-infectious demyelinating disorders are rare neurological conditions.
  • A study at Hospital Pediatrico de la Misericordia identified 14 cases over three years.
  • Neonates represent the most commonly affected age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of post-infectious demyelinating disorders.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches.
  • To discuss current treatment strategies and prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of medical literature and case series.
  • Analysis of clinical findings, neuroimaging (CT, MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
  • Discussion of histopathological findings when available.

Main Results:

  • Viral infections, such as measles and mumps, are suspected causes.
  • A typical interval of two weeks exists between infection and neurological symptoms.
  • Common clinical manifestations include hemiparesis, cranial nerve deficits, and altered consciousness.

Conclusions:

  • The etiology remains unclear, with diagnosis often based on neuroimaging and CSF analysis.
  • No specific treatment exists; management focuses on supportive care, seizure control, and complication prevention.
  • Understanding classification is crucial for appropriate prognosis and management.

More Related Videos

A Stably Established Two-Point Injection of Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Focal Demyelination Model in Mice04:55

A Stably Established Two-Point Injection of Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced Focal Demyelination Model in Mice

Published on: May 11, 2022

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes06:44

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes

Published on: June 13, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...