The OT "Perspective" - A complex case study of a young adult diagnosed with ADEM

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the rare diagnosis of ADEM.
2. Understand the benefits of OT throughout the continuum of care from self-care to community reintegration.
3. Understand various treatment methods for addressing functional deficits of a complex patient case.

Abstract
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system by demyelination of the brain and spinal cord. This presentation will focus on the complex case of a young adult male with ADEM and his journey from the ICU through outpatient rehab. Attendees will be introduced to the etiology of ADEM and research regarding potential treatments. We will explore the functional deficits this patient encountered, various occupational therapy interventions and the benefits of collaborative care. The patient (Brian) will be joining us throughout the presentation to provide his insight and perspective on his journey and the impact of occupational  therapy.

Biography
Gabby Skoczylas graduated from the University of Utah MOT program and has been an OTR/L for 5 years. She has experience working in inpatient and outpatient neurological rehab. She is passionate about the neurological population and is a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) and Certified Neuro Specialist (CNS). Gabby currently works at SWAN rehab in Goodyear, an outpatient Neuro rehabilitation clinic.

Holly Jones is a graduate from Midwestern University and is currently pursuing her PP-OTD from Baylor University. She has been an OT for 17 years and has extensive experience working with the Neuro patient population in the ICU, acute hospital setting, acute rehabilitation and outpatient settings. Holly is currently an instructor at Midwestern University and works at SWAN rehab, an outpatient Neuro rehabilitation clinic.

Taylor Sager graduated from Whitworth University and Pima Medical Institute. She has been a COTA/L for 2 years and has experience in working in SNF, Home health, and outpatient orthopedics. She is currently working at SWAN Rehab, neurological rehab outpatient clinic.

References to support evidence-based practice
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McCuddy, M., Kelkar, P., Zhao, Y., & Wicklund, D. (2020). Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in COVID-19 infection: A case series. Neurology India, 68(5), 1192–1195. https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.299174https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.299174

Ketelslegers, I., Visser, I., Neuteboom, R., Boon, M., Catsman-Berrevoets, C., & Hintzen, R. (2011). Disease course and outcome of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is more severe in adults than in children. Multiple Sclerosis, 17(4), 441–448. https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458510390068

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Huq, M. R., Kawnayn, G., Kabir, H., Chowdhury, M. I., & Anwar, M. B. (2023). Acute Vaccine-Related Encephalopathy and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Series From Bangladesh. Cureus, 15(5), e39724. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39724

Sunnerhagen, K. S., Johansson, K., & Ekholm, S. (2003). Rehabilitation problems after acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: four cases. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 35(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/16501970306102

Yen, J. M., Tay, M. R. J., & Chua, K. S. G. (2023). Rehabilitation course and functional outcome of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Singapore Medical Journal, 64(8), 517–521. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2022090