Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. It usually develops after acute viral or bacterial infection or vaccination, with a sudden onset of irritability and lethargy after a prodromal period of 1-4 weeks. Major symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, changes in mental status, seizures and coma. Weakness, vomiting, weight loss, stiff neck, ataxia, bilateral optic neuritis and delirium are common. Peripheral nervous system involvement (paralysis of a single limb or hemiplegia) may occur.