Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)

Diagnosis

The doctor starts with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination to identify acute flaccid myelitis. The doctor may advise:

• Nervous system assessment. The doctor looks at the bodily parts where you or your child is weak, has poor muscle tone, or has decreased reflexes.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The doctor can examine the spinal cord and brain by this imaging.
• Laboratory exams. Cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory fluid, blood, and stool samples may all be collected by the clinician for laboratory analysis.
• Nerve test. This test can measure the speed at which an electrical impulse travels through the nerves as well as how quickly muscles react to nerve signals.

Because it exhibits many of the same symptoms as other neurological conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome, acute flaccid myelitis can be challenging to diagnose. These examinations can aid in separating acute flaccid myelitis from other diseases.

Treatment

At present, there is no known specific treatment for acute flaccid myelitis. The primary objective of medical intervention is to manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort.

A neurologist, a medical professional who focuses on treating conditions of the brain and spinal cord, could suggest physical or occupational therapy to relieve arm or leg weakness. Physical therapy may enhance long-term rehabilitation, if it is started during the early stages of the illness.

Additionally, the doctor might advise using corticosteroid medications, antiviral drugs, or immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from healthy donors to treat the condition. Alternative treatment options include plasma exchange, which involves removing and replacing blood plasma. It’s unclear, though, if these treatments are beneficial.

Surgery to transfer muscles and nerves is occasionally performed to enhance limb function.