acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHL), also known as Weston-Hurst syndrome, is a rare and serious condition that causes a sudden and intense inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation damages the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin, and may lead to bleeding in the brain, which harms the white matter. The condition often begins quickly with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and fatigue, and can progress to severe neurological symptoms like seizures and coma. Because of the rapid course of the disease, it can lead to death within days to one week after symptoms start.

People with this condition may experience fever, neck stiffness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. These symptoms usually appear rapidly and progress quickly.

The exact cause of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis is not clear. It is often seen following a viral infection or, less commonly, after vaccinations for measles, mumps, or rubella. Researchers believe that an infection or vaccination may trigger an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

The outlook for people with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis is generally poor. The condition usually leads to rapid deterioration, with death occurring within days to one week after the onset of symptoms due to severe inflammation in the brain.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.