Encephalomyelitis

Encephalomyelitis
Synonyms	Myelitis, Encephalitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis
Complications	Chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological deficits
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies, can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Viral infection, autoimmune disease, bacterial infection
Risks	Immunocompromised state, recent infection, vaccination
Diagnosis	MRI, lumbar puncture, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	Multiple sclerosis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, meningitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, plasmapheresis, immunoglobulin therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies, can be full recovery or permanent disability
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Encephalomyelitis is a general term for inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, describing a number of disorders:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis or postinfectious encephalomyelitis, a demyelinating disease of the brain and spinal cord, possibly triggered by vaccination or viral infection.
• Encephalomyelitis disseminata, another name for multiple sclerosis.
• Equine encephalomyelitis, found in horses.
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis, a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Western equine encephalomyelitis, found in horses, and can infect humans.
• Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, found in horses, and can infect humans.
• Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, found in horses, and can infect humans.

Symptoms

The symptoms of encephalomyelitis can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the inflammation. However, common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, fever, headache, and nausea. In severe cases, symptoms may include seizures, paralysis, and problems with cognition or speech.

Causes

Encephalomyelitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, vaccination, and autoimmune diseases. The exact cause often depends on the specific type of encephalomyelitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of encephalomyelitis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as MRI scans, lumbar punctures, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for encephalomyelitis depends on the underlying cause and may include antiviral medications, immune therapies, and supportive care to manage symptoms.

See also

• Neurology
• Neuroinflammation
• Neuroimmunology