title: Rehabilitation outcomes after combined acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome in a child: a case report.
abstract: A 5-year old female presented with acute tetraparesis and areflexia. Initial imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Minimal clinical response with intravenous steroids prompted further work up. Limited nerve conduction studies suggested possible acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy, a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Repeat imaging was compatible with polyradiculopathy indicating concomitance of ADEM and GBS. The patient suffered severe motor deficits and neuropathic pain. Slow but significant functional recovery was noted after intensive inpatient rehabilitation followed by continued rehabilitation via home health services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Radha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Korupolu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Thien
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ngo
authors.affiliation: Center for Movement Disorders & Neurorestoration, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Nawaz
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hack
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Escott
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salles
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D004673:Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Encephalomyelitis; Guillain-Barre syndrome; pediatrics; rehabilitation