What Is Acute Flaccid Myelitis?

Acute Flaccid Myelitis Tampa FLAcute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare, polio-like virus that affects mostly children. Also known as poliomyelitis, polio is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Recently, there has been a spike in confirmed cases of AFM in the U.S. – even though, due to an effective vaccine, the nation has been considered to be polio-free since 1978.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recent outbreak of AFM may be related to viruses. Most children who developed AFM had a respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection immediately beforehand.

What are the symptoms of AFM?

AFM is a serious neurologic condition that can cause:

  • A weakening of one or more limbs
  • Loss of muscle tone
  • Loss of reflexes
  • Eyelid and facial drooping
  • Difficulty moving the eyes
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty breathing

Because AFM shares many symptoms with other neurologic conditions, such as transverse myelitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome, it can be challenging to diagnose. After a patient develops symptoms, a physician may examine the patient’s nervous system and the areas of his or her body affected by weakness, poor muscle tone, or impaired reflexes. The diagnostic process may include an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the patient’s brain and spinal cord, lab testing on a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, and nerve conduction and response testing.

How is AFM treated?

Currently, there is no known cure or specific treatment protocol for AFM. On a case-by-case basis, a neurologist may recommend certain interventions, such as physical or occupational therapy to address arm or leg weakness. Through extensive research studies, national experts are working toward gaining a better understanding of AFM and how it can be treated.

If you have questions about AFM or any other health-related topic, you are welcome to contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL, is open daily.