Acute Flaccid Myelitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a neurologic disease. It is rare, but serious. It affects an area of the spinal cord called gray matter. This can cause the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak.

Because of these symptoms, some people call AFM a "polio-like" illness. But since 2014, people with AFM have been tested, and they did not have poliovirus.
What causes acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

Researchers think that viruses, including enteroviruses, likely play a role in causing AFM. Most people with AFM had a mild respiratory illness or fever (like you would get from a viral infection) before they got AFM.
Who is at risk for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

Anyone can get AFM, but most cases (more than 90%) have been in young children.
What are the symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)?

Most people with AFM will suddenly have:

   Arm or leg weakness
   A loss of muscle tone and reflexes

Some people also have other symptoms, including:

   Facial drooping/weakness
   Trouble moving the eyes
   Drooping eyelids
   Trouble swallowing
   Slurred speech
   Pain in the arms, legs, back, or neck

Sometimes AFM can weaken the muscles that you need for breathing. This can lead to respiratory failure, which is very serious. If you get respiratory failure, you may need to use a ventilator (breathing machine) to help you breathe.

If you or your child develops any of these symptoms, you should get medical care right away.