Principles of Critical Care > Part V. Infectious Disorders > Chapter 53. Encephalomyelitis John C. Galbraith,  Robert Verity,  D. Lorne Tyrrell

Key Points

"Encephalitis and myelitis refer to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, respectively. These processes may occur together, often with meningeal involvement; hence, the terms meningoencephalitis and meningoencephalomyelitis. Encephalomyelitis may result from direct invasion of a microorganism into the central nervous system (CNS) or from an autoimmune process that results in demyelination; the latter process is often triggered by a recent vaccination or infection. Up to 20% of all encephalitides result from autoimmune reactions; they have been variously termed postinfectious,parainfectious (when they occur simultaneously with an infection), and postvaccinial (when they occur after a vaccination). Regardless of the pathogenesis, the clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis of these processes overlap to such a degree that they may be considered together...."