Encephalomyelitis
Encephalomyelitis
Encephalomyelitis (pronunciation: en-sef-uh-loh-my-uh-LY-tis) is a general term for inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, often due to infections or autoimmune diseases.
Etymology
The term "Encephalomyelitis" is derived from Ancient Greek. "Encephalo-" comes from "ἐγκέφαλος" (enképhalos), meaning 'brain', "-myelo-" is derived from "μυελός" (myelós), meaning 'marrow' or 'spinal cord', and "-itis" is a common suffix used in medical terminology to denote inflammation.
Definition
Encephalomyelitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, headache, and confusion. The condition can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases.
Types
There are several types of encephalomyelitis, including:
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) - a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin.
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) - a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms.
- Equine encephalomyelitis - a mosquito-borne viral disease that can affect horses and humans.
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - a complex, multisystem disease that is often referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Treatment
Treatment for encephalomyelitis depends on the underlying cause. It may include antiviral medications, immune therapies, and supportive care to manage symptoms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Encephalomyelitis
- Wikipedia's article - Encephalomyelitis
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