This is a term that describes the inflammation of the brain and the spinal column which commonly is the result of bacteria or viral infection. There are various types of encephalomyelitis that can either be transmitted from another person or can develop from insect bites. This can also be a type of autoimmune condition that could develop as the result of a primary or the secondary infection. Some of the common types of bacterial strains include E.coli and streptococcus that can invade the brain and the spinal column. The treatment is based on the cause of encephalomyelitis after the clinical examination of the blood, urine and the spinal fluid sample.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
This generally is a brief attack that causes the inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord. Although this can also develop among the adults, it commonly affects the children younger than 10 years of age. The exact cause for this type of encephalomyelitis is not known but the symptoms develop after a viral or a bacterial infection and in rare cases following a vaccination. The symptoms may develop quickly following the infection and up to three months after the vaccination. This is considered to be an autoimmune condition when the immune system of the body accidentally attacks the healthy cells which cause the inflammation. The symptoms develop based on the location of the inflammation in the brain and the spinal cord. Some of the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, fever, unsteady walk, seizures, confusion, weakness of the limbs, tingling sensation and problems with the vision. As this is a rare disease, there are no drugs to specifically treat the condition but the treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation and the recovery from the disease. Among the children, the complete recovery can take as long as a year and can present residual symptoms such as weakness, numbness or blurred vision.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis
This acquired condition can potentially affect multiple systems of the body and most cases develop after an infection with flu-like symptoms that can fluctuate in severity over the period of illness. The symptoms include weakness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, headaches, muscle weakness, neck pain, vision abnormalities, problems with sleep and tingling sensation. The primary phase of this condition may be the infection followed by the chronic phase that can develop from two to seven days after the infection affecting the central nervous system or from the immune system accidentally attacking the brain (autoimmune encephalitis). This condition is considered to be the result of an abnormal immune system and brain function as the response to the infection. The neurocognitive problems associated with this disease can present significant changes of the individual’s personality that is usually based on the severity of the inflammation and the delay in the treatment. There is no cure for this condition but the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and to prevent the progression of the disease.
References
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myalgic-encephalomyelitis/
