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Our son Jake, 20 months old, very suddenly over the course of a few days started to lose his balance. We of course assumed that he had an ear infection and took him to the doctor who put him on an antibiotic, but said his ear didn't look too bad, and it should clear up in a couple of days. Over the next couple of days, his balance got so bad he lost his ability to walk, to stand, and then to crawl. He also developed a facial droop on his left side. We rushed him back to the doctor, who said that if we wanted he could refer us to a Pediatrician, but he suggested we give the antibitotics time to work. We opted for the Pediatrician, and were sent to one at our local hospital who upon examining Jake ordered a CAT-scan to determine whether there was a brain tumor. The scan showed an abnormality in his cerebelum but they couldn't say what it was without more tests. We were then sent to a children's hospital about an hour away, where he was given an MRI and spinal tap. The diagnosis was A.D.E.M. (Acute Disseminated Encephalomylitis) Essentially, in response to a virus, his immune system started producing antibodies, but the virus had so closely copied the Myelin in his brain that the antibodies started attacking this too. Myelin acts in the brain the same way insulation does on a wire, without it the signal can't get through. The majority of the damage took place in the cerebelum which is responsible for balance. He has since been treated with immunoglobulin, and has responded very well. We are told that due to his age there is an excellent chance he will fully recover, that the Myelin will totally regenerate, and he will never have another episode. So far he is making incredible progress and is able again to walk. We will need to watch his development closely to be sure there was no permanent damage, and he is having some physiotherapy, but he is doing exceptionally well. I just wanted to share our story. As parents, we are our child's only advocates. Go with your gut. If you see that your child is not themselves, don't hesitate to seek medical help. Even minor symptoms should be checked out. Had we not persisted with our doctor, Jake's outcome would have been much different.