Acute Flaccid Myelitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition affecting the spinal cord. It primarily impacts young children, causing sudden weakness in arms or legs, reduced muscle tone, and decreased reflexes.
Most children experience a mild respiratory illness or fever from a viral infection 1-4 weeks before AFM symptoms appear. Many patients require hospitalization, and some need ventilator support for breathing.
AFM has shown a pattern of outbreaks in the United States. After initial clusters in 2014, additional outbreaks occurred in 2016 and 2018. These outbreaks typically happen between August and November.
Key AFM Facts:
- Mainly affects children
- Causes sudden muscle weakness
- Often follows viral infections
- Requires immediate medical care
- Shows seasonal outbreak patterns (late summer to fall)
Symptoms
Acute flaccid myelitis typically shows these main warning signs:
- Sudden weakness in arms or legs
- Quick loss of muscle tone
- Reflexes that disappear suddenly
People may also experience:
- Eye movement problems or droopy eyelids
- Facial weakness or drooping
- Trouble swallowing or unclear speech
- Pain in arms, legs, neck, or back
Less common symptoms include tingling sensations, numbness, or problems urinating.
In serious cases, breathing muscles can weaken, leading to respiratory failure. The condition can sometimes cause dangerous changes in body temperature and unstable blood pressure.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in yourself or your child, get medical help right away. Quick action can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.
Causes
Acute flaccid myelitis may result from an enterovirus infection. These viruses typically cause common respiratory illnesses and fever, particularly in children.
While most people recover from enterovirus infections without complications, some develop acute flaccid myelitis for reasons not yet fully understood.
In the United States, enterovirus circulation peaks between August and November, which coincides with most acute flaccid myelitis outbreaks.
Though symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis resemble polio, it’s important to note that no cases in the United States have been linked to poliovirus. Researchers continue to study why certain individuals develop this rare condition following viral infections.
Common timing of outbreaks:
- Most cases occur from late summer to fall
- Peaks during August-November
- Coincides with enterovirus season
Factors That Increase Risk
Children are the main group affected by acute flaccid myelitis. The disease is rare but occurs more often in young kids than in teens or adults.
Parents should watch for symptoms in children, especially during cold and flu season when viral infections are common.
Complications
Muscle weakness from acute flaccid myelitis may last for months or years. Patients often face ongoing challenges with movement and strength. This long-term weakness can affect daily activities and quality of life.
Preventing AFM
While there is no specific way to prevent acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), reducing viral infections can lower the risk of developing this condition.
Good hygiene practices are essential for protection. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly.
Avoid touching your face when your hands aren’t clean.
Keep distance from sick individuals and maintain clean surroundings by disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your upper sleeve to cover your mouth and nose.
Parents should keep sick children at home to prevent spreading illness to others.
These simple preventive measures help reduce the risk of viral infections that could lead to AFM.
