Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

Diagnosing acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) requires a detailed medical evaluation. Because AFM symptoms can resemble other neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, accurate diagnosis is essential.
Your neurologist or pediatric specialist will begin with a full medical history review and physical examination to assess muscle tone, reflexes, and limb strength.

Key Diagnostic Tests for AFM

1. Neurological Examination
The doctor checks areas of the body showing weakness, low muscle tone, or reduced reflexes. These signs help identify nerve or spinal cord involvement.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord helps detect inflammation or damage in the gray matter, a hallmark of AFM.

3. Laboratory Tests
Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, respiratory secretions, or stool may be taken to look for viral infections or other causes of nerve inflammation.

4. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Tests
These tests measure how well electrical signals move through the nerves and muscles. Abnormal results can help confirm AFM and rule out other conditions.

Because AFM can mimic several neuromuscular disorders, combining results from these tests allows doctors to differentiate AFM from other diseases such as transverse myelitis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

More information:

• Electromyography (EMG)

• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

• MRI brain and spinal cord scan

• Neurological examinations

🩺 Treatment for Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Currently, there is no specific cure for acute flaccid myelitis. Treatment focuses on symptom management, rehabilitation, and improving long-term recovery through supportive therapies.

1. Physical and Occupational Therapy

Early and consistent physical or occupational therapy can help restore limb strength and flexibility. Starting rehabilitation during the early stages of illness may improve movement and muscle control over time.

2. Medical Therapies

Doctors may recommend several supportive treatments, including:

• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Provides healthy antibodies that may help the immune system respond to infection.

• Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

• Antiviral Medications: Sometimes prescribed when a viral cause is suspected.

• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): A process that removes and replaces the blood plasma to eliminate harmful antibodies, though its effectiveness in AFM is still uncertain.

At this time, none of these treatments have proven to consistently reverse AFM, but they may help limit further nerve damage.

3. Surgical Options

In select cases, nerve or muscle transfer surgeries are performed to restore some limb movement and function lost due to nerve damage.

💪 Recovery and Long-Term Management

Recovery from acute flaccid myelitis varies by individual. Some patients regain significant strength with therapy, while others may have lasting weakness. Ongoing neurological follow-up and rehabilitation are essential to maximize recovery.