Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis Fact Sheet

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADE) is a neurological disorder characterized by

inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by damage to the myelin sheath. The
myelin sheath is the fatty covering, which acts as an insulator, on nerve fibers in the
brain. ADE may occur in association with a viral or bacterial infection, as a complication
of inoculation or vaccination, or without a preceding cause. Onset of the disorder is
sudden. Symptoms, which vary among individuals, may include headache, delirium,
lethargy, coma, seizures, stiff neck, fever, ataxia, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis,
vomiting, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include monoparesis (paralysis of a
single limb) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body). The disorder occurs in
children more often than in adults.

Is there any treatment?

Generally, treatment for ADE includes corticosteroid medications. Other treatment is

symptomatic and supportive.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for individuals with ADE varies. Some patients achieve complete or nearly
complete recovery while others may have residual deficits. Some severe cases of ADE
may be fatal. Overall, the prognosis is good when the disorder is diagnosed early and
treated promptly.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on demyelinating disorders, such as ADE, aimed at

increasing understanding of these disorders, and finding ways to prevent and cure them.

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

Information provided by: The National Institute of Neurological

Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) , National Institutes of Health, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/index.htm

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an
official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient
or is familiar with that patient's medical history.