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Semin Neurol 2015; 35(06): 656-666
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1564682
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Fulminant Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System

Carolyn J. Bevan
1   Department of Neurology, UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center, San Francisco, California
,
Bruce A. Cree
2   Department of Clinical Neurology, UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center, San Francisco, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 November 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Fulminant demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, the related acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis, multiple sclerosis variants, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, and idiopathic transverse myelitis. These syndromes are often managed with similar acute treatments including high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis; however, long-term management varies. Although the prognosis of fulminant demyelinating disease was historically poor, outcomes today may be improved due to earlier diagnosis, rapid implementation of anti-inflammatory therapies such as high-dose corticosteroids and plasmapheresis, and improved supportive care.

Keywords

multiple sclerosis - acute disseminated encephalomyelitis - neuromyelitis optica - transverse myelitis - Marburg variant of multiple sclerosis - Balo's concentric sclerosis
 

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