Plaster Illness Diagnosed

Dr. David Plaster (pictured), pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington (Columbus), Ohio, has been hospitalized with a mysterious illness for the last several weeks. His daughter, Rachelle Plaster Creighton, has confirmed that the official diagnosis for her father's illness is ADEM.

She says, "Long road for recovery-his case is pretty severe so up to six months for hopefully FULL recovery. He will be in hospital through at least Saturday before going to rehab (still in same hospital).


The following technical information regarding Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)explains more of what Pastor Dave and his family are dealing with:

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by damage to the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering, which acts as an insulator, on nerve fibers in the brain.

Onset of the disorder is sudden. Symptoms, which vary among individuals, may include headache, delirium, lethargy, coma, seizures, stiff neck, fever, ataxia, optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, vomiting, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include monoparesis (paralysis of a single limb) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body). (Dad has hemiplegia...not total paralysis but VERY WEAK and not much feeling at all).

Among the most common abnormalities are visual disturbances and language, mental status, and psychiatric abnormalities. Mental status disturbances include lethargy, fatigue, confusion, irritability, obtundation, and coma. Psychiatric changes include irritability, depression, personality change, and psychosis. Focal or generalized seizures occur as an early sign in 10-25% of cases.

Clinically patients present with the rapid development of focal or multifocal neurologic dysfunction. Full recovery is seen in 50 to 75% of cases, ranging to 70 to 90% recovery with some minor residual disability (typically assessed using measures such as mRS or EDSS), average time to recover is one to six months. Residual motor deficits are estimated to remain in about 8 to 30% of cases, the range in severity from mild clumsiness to ataxia and hemiparesis.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Persons recovering from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis need time to recover their normal consciousness and movements. Problems with memory, especially short-term memory, may be present. The recovering person sometimes has trouble controlling their emotions and is easily frustrated.

Frequent periods of rest, alternating with shorter periods of mental and physical exercise are prescribed during initial recovery. The maximum possible recovery of brain and motor function may take a period of weeks or months.

Your prayers for Pastor Dave, his wife Ginny, other family members, and the Worthington church will be greatly appreciated.