The spectrum of atypical CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

Atypical demyelinating (AD) syndromes differ from both multiple sclerosis (MS) and from other demyelinating and non-demyelinating conditions in their prognosis and treatment. As with MS, the goals of treatment are, sequentially, to induce or facilitate remission from acute events and prevent future attacks. However, preventative therapies are not always indicated and when they are, they may differ from those for MS. We review AD diseases including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, tumefactive demyelination, Baló's concentric sclerosis, Schilder's diffuse myelinoclastic sclerosis and Marburg's multiple sclerosis. We consider the relationships of AD variants to MS and to one another and whether they are distinct and separable conditions. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging and immunobiology will improve our understanding of these conditions.