1. Reduce Inflammation With Corticosteroids
Patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) experience inflammation and damage to the myelin coatings of the nerves in their brains. A major part of the treatment of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is to reduce this brain inflammation. To do this, doctors will often give ADEM patients anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids. Most often, doctors will use a high dose of the corticosteroid methylprednisone to treat ADEM. Patients will receive methylprednisone intravenously in a hospital. This high dosage will help reduce brain inflammation and often lessen the patient's symptoms very rapidly.
2. Suppress the Immune System with Immunoglobulin Therapy
In some cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, high doses of corticosteroids don't reduce brain inflammation enough to minimize the patient's symptoms. In these cases, doctors may opt to use immunoglobulin therapy or other immunosuppressive therapies. In cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, immunoglobulins given intravenously (IVIG) can help calm the patient's overactive immune system, which will then help reduce inflammation in the brain and minimize the patient's symptoms. Doctors may choose to treat a patient with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with immunoglobulin therapy by itself or in conjunction with corticosteroid therapies.
3. Treat the Patient's Symptoms
Treating the patient's symptoms due to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis comprises a large part of the treatment plan. Patients who have seizures due to ADEM can take anticonvulsant drugs to help reduce seizure activity. Pain medications, such as acetaminophen, can help reduce fever and minimize headaches and other body aches due to the acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. For patients experiencing nausea, stomach upset or vomiting, a doctor may prescribe antiemetic drugs to minimize the patient's gastric troubles. Keeping the patient hydrated through intravenous fluids or through fluids by mouth, also helps in the treatment.
4. Use Rehabilitative Therapies as Needed
Some patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis will experience memory loss, speech difficulties and other physical difficulties such as trouble walking. In these cases, rehabilitation will comprise a part of the patient's treatment plan. For people with a short-term memory loss, a therapist may suggest memory exercises to help regain one's memory. Speech therapy can help those with speech problems due to ADEM. For those who have difficulty with physical activities due to ADEM, physical exercises can help patients regain mobility. With all of these rehabilitative therapies, it is important to allow for plenty of rest for the patient as well. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate physical therapy, based on each patient's condition.
