Current neurology and neuroscience reports
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The term post-infectious encephalomyelitis (PIEM) is frequently used interchangeably with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), although technically PIEM occurs after a known infection whereas with ADEM there is no antecedent infection. PIEM represents one of the primary demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, along with multiple sclerosis and Devic's disease. ⋯ Some patients improve spontaneously; most improve with methylprednisolone. If that fails, plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin may be effective.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Nov 2005
ReviewUpdate on respiratory management of critically ill neurologic patients.
Respiratory failure complicates a number of acute neurologic conditions, most notably neuromuscular diseases (eg, Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis) and stroke. In addition, pulmonary complications, particularly pneumonia and atelectasis, are fairly common in patients with these diagnoses; their prevention and early recognition are crucial to avoid detrimental consequences. This review discusses recent studies related to predictors of respiratory failure and pneumonia, strategies of respiratory care and ventilatory support, functional prognosis, and withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute neuromuscular respiratory failure and stroke.