Description

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may be impossible to distinguish from multiple sclerosis after the initial episode. Hynson et al listed a variety of features which can help identify a child who probably has ADEM. The authors are from the Royal Children's Hospital and University of Melbourne in Australia.


 

Clues suggesting ADEM:

(1) viral prodrome

(2) early onset of ataxia

(3) lesions involving the deep gray matter

(4) absence of oligoclonal bands in CSF analysis

(5) high number of lesions in the MRI

 

where:

• A history of recent vaccination might also be a clue.

 


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