encephalomyelitis
Pronunciation: en-sef-a-lo-my-e-LY-tis
Simultaneous inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, often immune-mediated.
Full Definition
Encephalomyelitis is a neuroinflammatory condition characterized by simultaneous inflammation of both the brain (encephalitis) and spinal cord (myelitis). This condition can be acute or chronic and is often immune-mediated, occurring as a result of autoimmune processes, post-infectious complications, or vaccination reactions. The inflammation typically affects both gray and white matter structures, leading to diverse neurological symptoms including altered consciousness, seizures, motor weakness, and sensory disturbances. In neuroimmunology, encephalomyelitis represents a spectrum of disorders including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which serves as an animal model for multiple sclerosis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from encephalitis (brain only) and myelitis (spinal cord only) in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient presented with acute encephalomyelitis following a viral infection." — Clinical case report
- "MRI findings were consistent with encephalomyelitis, showing inflammatory lesions in both brain and spinal cord." — Radiology report