Encephalomyelitis is a generic term referring to dozens of conditions involving inflammation of the brain and spinal column, which usually occur as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. The condition might also be a type of autoimmune disease and may develop because of a primary or secondary infection. It might be transmitted from one person to another, by insects, or acquired by receiving a vaccination containing a live virus. Encephalomyelitis treatment largely depends on the cause.
Bacterial encephalomyelitis generally develops when a primary bacterial infection goes untreated and invades the brain and spinal column. E. coli, Neisseria and Streptococcus are some of the bacterial strains commonly associated with encephalomyelitis, along with the bite from ticks carrying Lyme disease. Symptoms and possible neurological disorders vary depending on the extent of the infection and the amount of cellular damage. Physicians typically identify the specific bacterial cause giving a thorough examination and lab tests, which usually include blood, urine and spinal fluid samples. Treatment generally includes antibiotics known to eliminate the particular bacteria.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis frequently occurs secondarily to a viral infection but might also infrequently occur as an autoimmune reaction to the vaccination that protects children against measles and mumps. Symptoms appear suddenly and the affliction quickly targets myelin tissue, the insulating, protective covering on nerve cells. Patients often experience a fever, fatigue and headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may progress to coma and death. Patients generally receive supportive medical care that includes treatment to reduce brain and spinal cord inflammation and swelling.
The viruses causing chicken pox, influenza, and herpes simplex might all culminate in encephalomyelitis. Some researchers suspect the Epstein-Barr virus, commonly associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, might also cause a condition known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Symptoms produced by myalgic encephalomyelitis include muscle fatigue, pain, and weakness, along with vascular inflammation, which may cause bruising as smaller vessels rupture. Persons can also acquire eastern or western equine encephalomyelitis or the West Nile virus after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito.
Symptoms of the disorder vary according to the region of the brain or spinal column affected. Some patients describe flu-like symptoms while others experience a sudden fever accompanied by headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. Inflammation and swelling may produce sensory disorders resulting in vision, hearing or speech impairment along with organ malfunction and physical disabilities. Despite treatment of the underlying cause, tissue damage generally results in permanent disability.