Overview
AHLE, or Hurst’s disease, is a severe subtype of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) characterized by a rapidly progressive inflammation of the myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerves).
AHLE, or Hurst’s disease, is a severe subtype of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) characterized by a rapidly progressive inflammation of the myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerves).
Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever, nausea, neck stiffness, headache, vomiting; seizures, and coma (less frequent).
Although case studies have identified patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and novel influenza AH1N1 as being prone to developing AHLE, further research needs to be conducted to confirm these associations.
Unlike ADEM, AHLE is much more common in adults than children. The presence of flu-like symptoms also leads researchers to hypothesize that the cause is viral or bacterial pathogens. In addition, respiratory tract infections may precede AHLE.
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