Overview

It can be difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose AFM, as it’s rare and resembles other neurological conditions, such as transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and polio.

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll likely perform or order several tests to help diagnose AFM and/or rule out other conditions. Tests include:

  • Physical exam.
  • Neurological exam.
  • MRI of your spinal cord and brain to look for changes in the gray matter of your spinal cord. This is the most useful test for confirming AFM.
  • Spinal tap to check cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to look for signs of inflammation.
  • Nerve response tests like nerve conduction studies.
  • Muscle response tests like electromyography.
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