Acute Flaccid Myelitis
(AFM)
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an illness characterized
by a sudden onset of acute flaccid limb weakness without
a known cause and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing lesions
in the gray matter of the spinal cord. Most cases are in
children.
Agent:
The agent is unknown, but most likely viral. The
specific causes(s) are still under investigation and may
include:
-
Non-polio enteroviruses (Enteroviruses D68, Enteroviruses A71, Coxackievirus
A16).
-
Flaviviruses (West Nile Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus).
-
Herpesvirus
Transmission:
Varies with the specific infectious
agent.
| Symptoms: |
| The most common
symptoms include, a
sudden onset of arm/leg
weakness, loss of muscle
tone and reflexes. Other
symptoms include: |
-
Facial
droop/weakness
-
Difficulty
moving
the
eyes/drooping
eyelids
-
Difficulty
in
swallowing
or
slurred
speech
- Pain
in arms
or legs
- Pain
in neck
or back
|
| The most severe
symptoms of AFM are: |
-
Respiratory
failure
-
Serious
neurologic
complications
such as
body
temperature
changes
and
blood
pressure
instability
|
Incubation Period:
Varies with the specific infectious
agent.
Prevention:
Since AFM can be caused by viruses,
lower your risk of getting and spreading viruses by
:
-
Regular
handwashing
with
soap and
water
-
Avoid
touching
face
with
unwashed
hands
-
Avoid
close
contact
with
sick
persons
-
Cleaning
and
disinfecting
frequently
touched
surfaces
-
Covering
coughs
and
sneezes
-
Staying
home
when
sick
|
Diagnosis:
Clinical diagnosis is made by reviewing neurological
symptoms, examining brain and spinal MRIs, Cerebrospinal
Fluid (CSF) testing and testing of nerve conduction and
response.
