Join Us and help us to Raise Awareness of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy on 31st July 2018
ANE International believes that raising awareness of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy will save lives. With initial symptoms being typical of viral illness and many cases being from influenza, many ANE patients are initially turned away from hospital emergency rooms. In most cases the patient is already showing unusual symptoms which are overlooked. These may include double vision, unsteadiness of gait, vomiting and extreme lethargy, some are already having seizures which if initially brought under control are put down to febrile seizures.Some patients are diagnosed with Encephalitis or Meningitis if the symmetrical brain lesions are not recognized. No genetic testing is done and this puts the patient and their family at risk of further attacks.
Our aim is for all Doctors to look a little deeper for neurological symptoms with a viral illness and be able to recognize the lesions specific to ANE on MRI. Those parents are aware of neurological symptoms and when to take action. Not only may this save the patient’ life but also other members in the family if ANE is genetic. Early treatment is crucial in slowing brain inflammation and hence damage.
Fast Facts
- ANE can be both genetic and non genetic. Genetic cases are susceptible to recurrence.
- It is a severe & rapidly progressive acute disease.
- ANE is typically triggered by virus most commonly influenza. Other viruses include HSV6, varicella, rubella, measles, rotavirus, enterovirus and coxsackie 9. ANE on the rare occasion can be triggered by bacteria.
- It particularly affects previously well children.
- Typical viral symptoms (fever cough etc) rapidly progress to neurological signs including seizure & coma.
- Bi Lateral thalamic lesions are a distinctive feature on MRI
- Outcomes can include severe cognitive dysfunction, cerebral palsy, vision and speech issues.
- Mortality is high and almost all survivors are left with Acquired Brain Injury
- The exact pathogenesis is unknown.
- It is a highly under recognised Rare disease that is often misdiagnosed.
Take Action on the 31st By :-
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Artwork by Mara Pianosi