To investigate long-term national trends, identify critical inflexion points, and evaluate demographic and geographic disparities in mortality rates related to encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis in the United States over a 25-year period.
Encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis represent a complex spectrum of inflammatory neurological disorders with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive longitudinal analyses of national mortality trends and demographic disparities remain limited.
Analysis of CDC WONDER data from 1999 to 2024 showed 644,142 total deaths from encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis. The national AAMR followed a U-shaped trend, dropping from 0.3832 in 1999 to 0.2796 in 2007, then rising to 0.4019 by 2024.Females saw mortality rates decline by 3.71% annually (1999–2009) before rise by 3.37% annually (2009–2024), while males experienced a 7.83% annual increase between 2015 and 2021.Black or African American populations experienced a 6.18% annual decline until 2011, followed by a 4.64% annual rise, while White populations began a 2.86% annual increase in 2009.Significant mortality reversals occurred in all groups particularly in the 85+ cohort, from 2007 to 2024.The findings indicate a shift from improving mortality to a nationwide escalation, particularly in rural areas&geriatric populations.
Mortality from inflammatory neurological disorders in the U.S. has swung upward again. Since the 2007–2012 period, almost every demographic and geographic group has seen a rise. The fact that rural communities and older adults are being hit hardest shows we need to focus more on these areas, improving both clinical care and facilities