A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an uncommon monophasic idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease. ADEM typically presents with non-specific symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache. This then progresses to neurological deficits such as motor weakness, altered sensorium, and often significant morbidity or mortality. Typically, the infectious insult is thought to be in transient viral infection or vaccination. Case Report: We describe a case of ADEM in a 15-year-old girl that came to emergency department with dizziness and general weakness; she was unable to speak, and lethargic, with no positive past history. Her laboratory tests and spiral brain computed tomography (CT) scan were normal. She was admitted to neurology ward, and threated with high-dose corticosteroids. Our patient responded well to corticosteroids.

In patients with neurologic deficits in emergency department, the physician must think about ADEM although it is rare.