We describe a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a child. This case is unusual in that the illness was characterised by recurrent episodes rather than a monophasic course and that the choice of treatment was intravenous immunoglobulin over corticosteroids. The rapid and remarkable recovery is highlighted and a review of the treatment for this rare condition is discussed.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder with an acute or subacute onset, typically of a monophasic nature, which affects multifocal areas of the central nervous system. ADEM is commonly associated with an antecedent or concomitant infection that is usually viral. However, in the last few years, several published reports have indicated an association...