Medical Health Encyclopedia

ADEM is usually treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, a powerful anti-inflammatory drug known as a corticosteroid. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), alone or in combination with methylprednisolone, is also showing promise in certain patients, including children with severe ADEM.

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Recombinant erythropoietin epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit, AraNESP), a genetically engineered drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells, may also help protect the brain. Experimental work suggests it may be helpful for ADEM patients.