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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Acute Disseminayed Encephalomyetis
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Acute Disseminayed Encephalomyetis
by Colleen Johnson, Apr 23, 2002 12:00AM
My daughter at age 24 was diagnosised with ADEM (Sept 99) after spending the summer in Canada. They believe it was the result of St Louis Encephalitis. But she also tests positive for having had at some point mono and mycoplasma.
My question is, this far out from the initial illness is there still a chance her brain will continue to heal? I have read recently that they think the brain heals up to 10 years after an injury. Of course we saw the most healing take place the first 6 to 9 months. Also, would stem cell therapy be a posssibility to help with healing?
She is working on a computer program to help with cognitive function through her neoro-psych doctor.
It has been 2 1/2 years since she was first ill and has made great progress. She had to learn to walk again, write, read and take care of herself.
As far as where the most damage is according to her MRI's, her neurologist says it is everywhere in her brain and brain stem. He said it looks like someone who has MS. She has been tested for MS and it is negative.
That would bring up another question, I have also read that patients who have had ADEM may be more prone to getting MS. From your experience does this seem to be a strong possibility.
Thank you for your time and input.
My question is, this far out from the initial illness is there still a chance her brain will continue to heal? I have read recently that they think the brain heals up to 10 years after an injury. Of course we saw the most healing take place the first 6 to 9 months. Also, would stem cell therapy be a posssibility to help with healing?
She is working on a computer program to help with cognitive function through her neoro-psych doctor.
It has been 2 1/2 years since she was first ill and has made great progress. She had to learn to walk again, write, read and take care of herself.
As far as where the most damage is according to her MRI's, her neurologist says it is everywhere in her brain and brain stem. He said it looks like someone who has MS. She has been tested for MS and it is negative.
That would bring up another question, I have also read that patients who have had ADEM may be more prone to getting MS. From your experience does this seem to be a strong possibility.
Thank you for your time and input.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Apr 24, 2002 12:00AM
I recall our recent communication regarding your daughter. Adults seem to have a better prognosis than children, however given the extensive nature of the ADEM lesions (brainstem/brain)in your daughter's case, it would be unlikely that she would ever be the same exact person that she was prior to getting this disease. That is not to say she will stop improving. But realize that she will reach a new baseline of functioning that is not the same as before. With all the support from family and therapy sessions (as well as the computer program) I would not be surprised if she continued to make progress.
As far as the risk of MS, there does seem to be some connection. But I doubt that this is MS unless she develops new lesions or clinically has a relapse.
Good luck
As far as the risk of MS, there does seem to be some connection. But I doubt that this is MS unless she develops new lesions or clinically has a relapse.
Good luck
