Ask the Expert 1407. Open Q&A on Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Krissy Dilger of SRNA moderated an open Q&A on acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) with pediatric neurologist Dr. Linda Nguyen of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Nguyen discussed how widespread MOG antibody testing has shifted many cases previously labeled ADEM to MOG antibody-associated disease, recommended MOG testing at onset, and reviewed relapse risk, mimics, and follow-up imaging [00:05:07]. Questions from the community covered acute treatments, recovery, guidance on pseudo-relapse, rehabilitation, and transition from pediatric to adult care [00:14:41]. Dr. Linda Nguyen completed her MD, PhD training at West Virginia University in 2017, and then pediatric neurology residency at the University of California, San Diego in 2022. She then completed a combined pediatric and adult neuroimmunology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in 2024, where she now serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Nguyen currently sees patients in the Demyelinating Disease Clinic at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:08 What Is ADEM 01:51 Causes and Who Receives This Diagnosis 02:55 Early Signs and Onset 04:20 Diagnosis and MRI Criteria 05:07 MOG Antibodies and ADEM 07:21 Testing and Relapse Risk 09:06 Recurrent ADEM and Labels 12:34 Mimics and Differential Diagnosis 14:41 Acute Treatment Options 15:38 Recovery Timeline and Rehab 17:47 Long Term Effects and Seizures 21:23 Family Support and Accommodations 24:47 Follow Up Imaging and Relapse Signs 27:25 Managing Fatigue and Headaches 29:31 Supplements, Vaccines, and Genetics 33:40 Pseudo Relapse and Exercise Balance 37:41 Research and Predicting Outcomes 43:14 Transition to Adult Care 45:36 Weakness Sleep Issues and Final Thoughts