Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological disorder characterized by brief but widespread attacks of inflammation (swelling) in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin. Myelin is the whitish protective coating over nerves that helps with electrical nerve signaling. ADEM often appears following a viral or bacterial infection and sometimes (rarely) following a vaccination. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as the first severe attack of multiple sclerosis, since the symptoms and appearance of damage to the white matter may be similar. ADEM may be an autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies and attacks healthy cells and tissue.
ADEM can occur in people of any age, but it most often occurs in young children.
Causes:
ADEM is caused by inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord. Inflammation is the body’s normal immune response to infections and injuries.
The inflammation of ADEM does not fight an infection or repair an injury—instead, it actually attacks the body’s nervous system. This type of attack against one’s own body is described as an autoimmune reaction.
The inflammatory process in ADEM attacks myelin in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is a type of fat that insulates nerves to help them function efficiently. The inflammatory process of ADEM affects the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. White matter is the more heavily myelinated sections, and it is located deep in the central regions of the brain and toward the outer sections of the spinal cord.
Symptoms:
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes due to inflammation of the optic nerve
- Weakness that may be severe
- Difficulty coordinating intended (voluntary) movement such as walking
- Rapid onset of fever
- Some degree of impairment of consciousness, perhaps as severe as coma
Treatment:
Treatment is targeted at suppressing the immune system and inflammation in the brain using anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. Some individuals may need plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or immunoglobulin therapy. Most people with ADEM being to recover within days after treatment, and many will recover completely within six months. In rare instances, ADEM can be fatal.
Buffalo:
Symbolically the Buffalo represents courage and determination. It is a power symbol of stamina and strength. They inspire us to endure difficult times while staying strong. When battling ADEM the buffalo will be in your corner to help you fight the battle
- Species and Distribution: Buffaloes refer to several species of large herbivorous mammals belonging to the Bovidae family. The two main types are the water buffalo and the Cape buffalo. Water buffaloes are found in Asia and parts of Europe, while Cape buffaloes are native to Africa.
- Water Buffalo Varieties: Water buffaloes come in two main varieties: the river buffalo and the swamp buffalo. River buffaloes are well adapted to a drier environment, while swamp buffaloes thrive in wet and swampy regions.
- Domestication: Water buffaloes have been domesticated for thousands of years and play a significant role in agriculture in many parts of Asia. They are used for plowing fields, transportation, and as a source of milk, meat, and leather.
- Physical Characteristics: Buffaloes are known for their robust build, with a large and heavy body, relatively short legs, and a broad head. They often have distinctive curved horns and a rough, dark coat.
- Behavior: Buffaloes are social animals and often form herds. They are known for their strong sense of community and protective nature, especially when it comes to their young.
- Habitat Preferences: Water buffaloes prefer areas with access to water and mud for wallowing. They are often found in lowland regions, near rivers, lakes, or swamps.
- Diet: Buffaloes are herbivores and graze on grasses and other vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of coarse grasses, but they can also consume aquatic plants.
- Conservation Status: The conservation status of buffalo species varies. While domestic water buffaloes are widespread and not at risk, the African buffalo, particularly the forest buffalo, faces threats due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Importance in Agriculture: Water buffaloes are indispensable to many Asian farmers, providing labor for plowing fields and transportation. They are valued for their ability to thrive in hot and humid climates.
- Cape Buffalo Characteristics: The Cape buffalo, also known as the African buffalo, is considered one of the “Big Five” game animals in Africa. They are known for their unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior, making them a challenging and dangerous species to encounter in the wild.