A private hospital in Gurgaon has treated one of the initial cases of COVID-19-associated Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), which is a rare neurological disorder.

A 36-year-old laborer from Bihar was treated at Medeor Hospital in Manesar, a dedicated COVID-19 healthcare facility for of ADEM. The worker was living away from his family and was referred to Medeor Hospital from a different healthcare facility in a comatose condition.

ADEM, is the consequence of an immune reaction to an infection and it generally affects children more than adults. The immune system causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord instead of fighting the infection. Also, this reaction is responsible for demyelination, which is a process in which the protective coating of nerves in the brain i.e. myelin gets damaged.

ADEM is a fast developing illness with symptoms that includes headache, fever, weakness in arms or legs, confusion or convulsions. In only severe cases, a patient goes into coma.

Ashish Gupta, director, critical care medicine at Medeor Hospital, told ET that this is the first case of ADEM that their specialized team of doctors and medical workers have been successful in treating for COVID-19. Very few cases of COVID-19-related ADEM are reported throughout the world. Up to now, ADEM was only detected after an infection or immunization. Perhaps, it is the first case in India associated with COVID-19. Till now, COVID-19 was associated with respiratory tract complications.

The patient was given treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and other treatment modalities by an intensive care unit team that was led by Gupta.

After staying 25 days in the ICU, the laborer had a favorable neurological recovery and had regained consciousness. Also, his latest test for coronavirus was negative.

Gupta said that they are a COVID-19 dedicated facility so they discharge the patient once he is recovered from coronavirus. But complete recovery from ADEM can take 6 months to almost a year or more. The doctor has been in touch with his family and also found that the patient has started walking and also interacting with his family members. This shows a significant development and has a good chance of a complete recovery.

Source: The Economic Times