Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis

Synonyms

AHL
AHLE

Overview

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis  is a very rare form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis that usually results in death. It is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages the myelin -- the protective covering of the nerve fibers. It may also cause bleeding in the brain, leading to damage of the white matter.

Symptoms

  • Destruction of blood vessel walls in brain
  • Multiple small brain hemorrhages
  • Demyelination of nerves
  • Brain swelling
  • Severe headache
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Convulsions
  • Unconsciousness
  • Increased pressure inside skull
  • Neck stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea vomiting 
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Causes

Although the exact cause is unclear, AHL usually follows a viral infection, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella. Some researchers think that an infection or vaccination can initiate an autoimmune process in the body thus leading to AHL.

Prognosis

AHL has a very poor prognosis, with rapid deterioration and death usually occurring within days to one week after onset of symptoms because of severe inflammation in the brain.

Resources

  • NIH