Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis Acute disseminated
encephalomyelitis (ADEM) involves a brief but intense attack of
inflammation (swelling) in the brain and spinal cord that
damages the brain's myelin. Myelin is the protective covering of
nerve fibers. Myelin is also called white matter due to its
color. Because ADEM affects myelin, it is a type of a
"demyelinating" disorder. |Some facts about ADEM| How Children’s
approaches ADEM Boston Children's Hospital treats ADEM at the
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Program. Our
program includes a pediatric neuropsychologist, a nurse and a
social worker.