Acute flaccid myelitis

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord. AFM is characterized by sudden (acute) weakness in the arm(s) or leg(s), along with loss of muscle tone and decreased or absent reflexes. Some people with AFM report pain.^[1][2] In some cases, dysfunction of the nerves controlling the head and neck result in facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, or drooping of the eyes.^[1] The most severe complication of AFM is respiratory failure, if the muscles involved with breathing become weak. AFM can be "triggered" by viral infections, environmental toxins, genetic disorders, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, the exact cause is unknown, and it is unclear why some people get AFM after an infection while others do not.^[1][3]

There is no specific treatment for AFM, but a neurologist may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis.^[1] Treatments that have been used include immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and antiviral therapy.^[4][2] While some individuals may have improvement of symptoms or complete recovery within several months, many have residual weakness a year or more after the onset of AFM.^[2]

For more detailed information about acute flaccid myelitis, you may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage.

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