Post-infectious encephalomyelitis in an orthopedic surgeon with motor and cognitive impairment following Campylobacter gastroenteritis with complete recovery

Abstract

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, also known as post-infectious encephalomyelitis, is an acute central nervous system demyelinating disorder which typically follows an autoimmune response secondary to a post-viral infection/syndrome. Although uncommon, the outcome can be devastating; mortality is not high but the morbidity may be catastrophic. Survival is anticipated but return to full function of highly motor skilled and cognitive individuals may not be expected. An orthopedic surgeon developed an acute autoimmune encephalitis presumed to be due to Campylobacter jejuni and despite initial significant cognitive and motor deficits was able to recover fully and ultimately return to his specialty surgical occupation.

Keywords

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, post-infectious encephalomyelitis, Campylobacter